
Class ___U-C_5_ti^JI- 

Book l:^X . 



COFk'RIGHT DEPOSIT. 



IOWA BAPTIST SCHOOLS 




COL. ALONZO ABERNETH\. 



A HISTORY 



OF 



IOWA BAPTIST SCHOOLS 




BY 

ALONZO ABRRNETHY 

Osage. Iowa 

1907 



^5. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies HeC6\vrij 

JAN 23!J08 

(^SS A XXc. Nu. 
COPY 6. 



Copyright 1907 

BY 
Al,ONZO Abkrnkthy 



PRESS OF 

THK WOOLVBRTON PRINTING AND PUBLISHINS 60. 

OSAOE, IOWA 

1907 



Introductory 



The preparation of this history was begun at the request 
of the Iowa Baptist Education Society, at its annual meeting 
in 1905; though the work has taken a much wider scop* 
than contemplated in the society's resolution. A like 
request was made many years earlier by my life-long 
friend, Rev. George .T. Johnson, D. D., founder of Burling- 
ton Collegiate Institute, and has been often repeated since 
by others. 

Having come to Iowa in April, 185 4, and having made 
the history of its Baptist educational institutions a study 
since 185 6, a large part of what is written is from personal 
knowledge, and original documents have been extensively 
consulted and used. 

The primary aim has l)een to collect for preservation and 
future use the essential facts and factors in the origin, 
growth, and work of the several schools, with brief mention 
of the earnest, self-sacrificing men and women, who have 
given devoted service as teachers, administrators, and con- 
tributors, to carrying forward this most useful and neces- 
sary branch of Christian work, and made it possil)le and 
helpful to the young people of their time. 

I have drawn freely from Rev. S. H. Mitchell's Historical 
Sketches of Iowa Baptists, pu))lished twenty years ago, 
a most valuable contribution to the early history of the 
denomination in Iowa. Others have given valuable aid, 
notably Presidents Osborn and Garrison, Principal Lee, 
and Mr. John M. Mercer, of Burlington, Iowa, to all of 
whom I desire to make due acknowledgement. 

If the painstaking labor devoted to thib volume shall 
receive the approval of former co-laborers, or prove in any 
measure interesting and helpful to the hosts of young people 
who have received intellectual or spiritual quickening in 
these schools, I shall be well repaid. If it shall further aid 
in stimulating more earnest and resolute effort among ray 
brethren in the state to bring our educational work and in- 
stitutions to the highest rank of efficiency and usefulness, I 
shall be doublv rewarded. 

ALONZO ABERNETHY. 

Osage, Iowa, June, 1907. 



Contents. 



I. Pioneer Iowa 9 

II. Pioneer Baptists, 1833-1849 24 

III. Early Interest in Denominational Education, 47 

1844-1868. 

IV. Burlington Collegiate Institute, 1852-1901 . 64 

V. Central College, 1853-1906 104 

VI. Des Moines College, 1865-1906 .... 138 

VII. Some Notable Movements for Co-ordination, 175 

Report of the Western Advisory Committee. 
1870-1874. 

VIII. A Second Movement for Co-ordination, . . 198 

The Committee of Fifteen. 
1880-1886. 

IX. A Change of Policy, 1888-1896. ... 209 
The Iowa Baptist Education Society. 

X. The Marshalltown Conference, 1896-1899 . 227 

XI. The Cedar Valley Seminary, 1863-1906 . . 251 

XII. Sac City Institute, 1894-1906 317 

Index 329 



CHAPTER I. 

Pioneer Iowa 

THE PURCHA.se OF LOUISIANA. 

The tcrriturv truiu wliirli tin* state (if Iowa \va;s 
formed beeaine a [»art of tin- luitcd Stal(s thioiijih 
the Louisiana IMirehase of April 30, I8O0. The 
title was a«Mjuire<l suhjccl to the rij^lits of the 
ludiaus who were in possession. 

This ar<|uisitioTi was a iiiarNchms one in many 
respeets. hi area it more than (hnihU'd I lie tci- 
ritory of the United States; adding 1,171,931 
square miles to its previous area of 827,814 square 
miles. The fertility of its soil and the possibilities 
of eultivation were incomparably greater. It came 
practically as a gift from the great Xa]tol(Mm, to 
save him from tlic i>rospeetiv humiliation of its 
capture by tin* English. The ANcsteruers had 
blazed their way down the Ohio, and into tlu' M's- 
sissippi valley. New Orleans was the only onticl 
for their ]>roilu(e but an order had been issued to 
close the ^Jississippi. "The intendant al New 
Orleans deliberately threw down the gage of battle 
to the western<'rs.'" They :it once united in earm'st 
protest against this injustice. Tkey threatened to 
organize an a]ni,> of invasion to captuic New <>i- 
leans. Presiilent JelVerson ha<1 dispatched Moni-oe 
to I'rance I0 t?-y to buy the city with a liDle leiii 

9 



10 Iowa Bapti-'tt Schools. 

tory adjoiiiiiig u i ilw c ;i«l, but before lie reae'lied 
i'aris JNapoieon said to ijivingstor., our minister, 
'*! will sell you Louisiaua/" Without authority to 
buy, without money to pay, Livingston hesitated. 
"Jefferson had led his party into power as the 
special champion of states' rights, and the special 
opponent of national sovereignty." Impatiently 
iNapoleon pressed his offer to sell, and after some 
parleying, |15,000,000 was named in the treaty of 
purchase. This province cost our government less 
than two cents an acre. It solved some national 
and some international problems that had already 
become acute and serious. Most of all, it settled in 
the simi^iest possible manner and for all time, the 
civil, industrial, and international status of North 
America. It dedicated the continent to govern- 
meiits "of the people, by the people, for the people." 
It made later acquisitions easy and natural. At 
the end of a century, the power and possibilities 
given this government by that purchase, over the 
destiny of humanity, are beginning to be revealed. 

IOWA TERRITORY UNDER SUCCESSIVE GOVERNMENTS. 

Our Iowa part of this territory, about one-twen- 
tieth, passed under various names in its progress 
toward statehood, eight altogether. In the original 
treaty of cession it was termed, the colony or prov- 
ince of Louisiana, or simply Louisiana. March 26, 
1804, congress passed an act dividing the territory ; 
that lying north of the 33d degiee of north latitude 
being organized as the District of Louisiana, and 
attached for civil purposes to Indiana Territory, 
which at that time joined it on the east, and was 
under the administration of Mr. William Henry 
Harrison as territorial governor. The act to take 
effect October 1, 1804, and continue for one year. 



Pioneer loica. 11 

This act of (%hii;k'ss vestiiijj^ the executive power iu 
the j;overiior of another territory >\'as not satis- 
factory to the i>eoi>le of the district. They held 
that they A\'ere heiug i»hiced under "tlie dictates of 
a foreign government/" that is, across tiie river. 
They objected strongly also to tlie proN ision author- 
iziiiii tlie ]>resi(h'nt to ai-range with Indian Irihes 
owning hinds east of the MississipjM to reiu<n(' and 
settle on the west side. Congress accoi'dingiy made 
haste to give 1 hem a tei-i-itorial g<>vernirieut of their 
own, changing the name to tlie tei-ritory of Louis- 
iana, and pi'o\iding for a g<>vernor, secretary, and 
three ju<lges, and hiter some otlier civil officers. 
This act to take elVect July 4, 1S(I,5. 

This tei-ritory <d' Louisiana was coiiliniicd until 
ISlL*, when the name was again change<1 to the 
Teri'itoT'y of Aiissoui-i, the act to take effect Decem- 
bei- 7 of that yeai-, and gi\ing additional powcis to 
the governoi- and other executixc ol'licers, prox iding 
also for a legislati\'e body to consist of two houses. 
the lower house to be ele<-ted l»y the peojtle. 

When ^lissouri was admitted as a state, August 
HI, lS-1, the T-emainder of the territoi-y of .Missoui'i 
was hd't practically without any civil government. 
This was m>t, un<lei' the circumstances, so very 
serious an oversight, since about the only white 
jM'ople within its boun<1s, after Missonri had been 
cnt off. were fni- ti-adei-s or 1rai>i>ers. who were as a 
rule scattered at long distances fi-om each otiicv 
over this vast teri-itoiy. l»nt now that .MisNouvi 
was tilling up on the sonlli, and Illinois on the east. 
with the steady and e\'ei-increasiug army of '\u\:\ 
sion crowding westward, it was in the nature of 
things imjKhssible for the fairest rc^gion in all this 
gi'eat ANestcrn world to much lougei- remain the 



JO Iowa Baptist Schools. 

liappv hunting ground.s of the roving and un- 
tutored red men, in their eager and exultant pas- 
time of scalping each other. 

June -8, 1834, congress rather tardily attached 
this region to the Territor3^ of Michigan for the 
purpose of temporary government. 

In the meantime, however, what is now eastern 
Iowa Imd been opened up for settlement, and for 
thirteen months a steady stream of immigration 
had been jjouring across the river and spreading 
itself out everywhere miles away to the Avest. 

Two months after the transfer of this territory a 
legislative council convened at Detroit and or- 
ganized two counties west of the Mississippi — 
called the Iowa district — divided by a line running 
due Avest from tlie lower end of Kock Island. They 
were named Des Moines and Dubuque, and con- 
stituted each a township, namely, Flint Hills and 
Julieu. This act gave the first send)lance of govern- 
ment to this new district, and soon led to important 
results. George ^^^ Jones was sent as a delegate 
to congress the next year and soon secured the law 
creating the Territory of Wisc<msin, which took ef- 
fect July o, 1880, covering the same territory as the 
former, with a ]tortion left out which a few months 
later became the state of Michigan. Governor 
Henry Dodge of the new territory ordered a census 
in the following August, which showed a popula- 
tion of 10,5ol within the district. But meantime 
not a townshi}* of its land had been surveyed. This 
A\'is<onsiH territory c(mtinued just two years, and 
Mas followed July 3, 1838, by the territory of Iowa, 
el imi Mating from the former territory what is now 
the state of AVisconsin. Thus cut down, Iowa em- 
braced still all that poriiou of the original lerri- 



Pioneer Iowa. 13 

torj of Loui.siaUti Ijiiig between the Mississippi 
aud Missouri rivers, extending from tlie nortliern 
boundary of the state of Missouri on the south to 
the JJritish possessions on tlie north; that is, all of 
Iowa, all of Minnesota west of the Mississippi river 
and a line drawn due nortli from its source, aud 
all of thr J)akotas east of the Missouri aud White 
Earth rivers. 

At this date nut a (juarter. section of land had 
been oftVri'<l for sale by the .government, though 
a census taiven the previous May showed a poi>ula- 
tion of 22,850. l)eceud>er 28,'lS4H; the state of 
Io^^a \Nas foinied with its present boundaries. 

IMUAX OCCUl'ANCY AND OW .N'EH8Hir. 

During the forty-three years from the Louisiana 
purchase to the organization of our state the Indi- 
ans had exclusiA'e control for thirty \'ears and par- 
tial control the remaining thirteen. Their right to 
the territory occupied was rec.ognize<l from the 
first, notwithstanding the slender grounds for any 
very valid claim, ofteutiines based largely on their 
ability to drive away other clainumts who also 
wanted the same territory for occasional use as 
hunting ground. 

Forts were established and .occupied by United 
States trooi)s, successively ou the l)order, at l''ort 
Madison, Kock Island, and Prairie du Chien, at an 
early date; and later at ('ouncil lUntis in 1839. 
Fort Atkinson in 1840, Des Moim^ in 1813, aud Ft. 
Dodge in 1819, to ijrdtect the Indians fnnn the en- 
croachment of whites and to gutird frontier settle- 
ments in territory already ceded, from depreda- 
tions of the Indians. . . • 



14 louu Baptist Schools. 

The earlj presidents all voiced the sentiments of 
the people generally in their solicitude for the fu- 
tnre of the aboriginee found here at the time of the 
discovery. President Monroe, who had earlier pro- 
posed to colonize the Indians west of the Missis- 
sippi, **as thev would never be disturbed there by 
white men," said to congress in 1825 : 

Being deeply Impressed with the opinion that the re- 
moral of the Indian tribes from the lands which they now 
occupy within the limits of the several states and terri- 
torlee, 1b of Tery high importance to our Union, and may be 
accomplished on conditions and in a manner to promote 
the interest and happiness of those tribes; the attention of 
th« government has been long drawn, with great solicitude 
to the subject. Experience has clearly demonstrated that 
in their present state it is impossible to Incorporate them 
in such masses, in any form whatever, into our system. 
The great object to be accomplished is the removal of these 
tribes on conditions which shall be satisfactory to them- 
selves, and honorable to the government. 

It has been estimated that there were as many as 
ten thousand Indians who claimed their home in 
Iowa when the first treaties were made for their 
removal. Some estimates make the number as high 
as fifteen thousand. Prior to June 1, 1833, the 
entire territory of Iowa was in the undisputed 
possession of the Indians, the confederated tribes 
of the Sacs and Foxes mainly — while north of their 
territory, in what is now northern Iowa and Min- 
nesota, were the hunting grounds of various tribes 
of the Sioux. Boundary lines were unknoAvu to 
the savages and bloody conflicts between these hos- 
tile and warlike tribes were of frequent occurrence 
a« they made incursions upon each other's terri- 
tory. 

Mr. Willard Barrows, United States de}nity sur- 
veyor, Cincinnati, Ohio, in his Notes on Iowa, j)ub- 
livhed in 1845 with map, says : 



Pioneer Iowa. 15 

It was not till the summer of 1833 that any Indian title 
was extinguished to the territory of Iowa. The country 
had been in possession of various Indian tribes for cen- 
turies; its rich and fertilizing soil had for ages drank the 
blood of contending foes for possession. Its hills and val- 
leys, its rivers and prairies, have witnessed the most bloody 
conflicts ever fought by the savages of our western world, 
as the numerous battle grounds that everywhere strew the 
land will testify. 

THE BLACK HAWK PURCHASE. 

The first land in Iowa acquired by the govern- 
ment from the Indians for the purpose of opening 
it to permanent settlement, consisted of a tract 
extending along the Mississippi from the northern 
boundary of Missouri to the southern boundary of 
the neutral ground, about 50 miles wide, and called 
the Black Hawk purchase. The Keokuk Reserve, a 
strip 10 by 40 miles in extent along the lower Iowa 
river, about half being on each side, and extending 
down to Wapello's village below the present site of 
Wapello in Louisa county, was reserved from this 
purchase. This tract was surveyed in October, 
1835, by ('harles DeWard, assistant surve3^or; com- 
mencing at a point on the northern boundary of the 
state of Missouri, 50 miles west of the Mississippi, 
and 9.90 chains east of the 122d mile of the bound- 
ary, thence on a course north 28 degrees east, 95 
miles and 43.15 chains to the intersection of the 
Red Cedar river 40 miles from the Mississippi, and 
thence north 29 degrees 15 minutes west, 75 miles 
and 14.50 chains to the intersection of the south 
line of the neutral ground; thence along that line 
27 miles and 50 chains to the Turkey river, and 
along said south boundary to Painted Rock. The 
southern terminus of this line was 28 miles and 30 
chains west of the Des Moines river, and about 5 



16 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

miles west of ike soutll^^e.st eoruer of Van Bureu 
county. The augie was uear where the Cedar river 
crosses the east line of Johnson county, and the 
northwest terminus, in the northern part of Fre- 
mont toAvnship, 92-10 in Fayette county. 

The treaty by which this tract was acquired was 
negotiated September 21, 1832, by Gen. Wintield 
iScott,^ and Gov. John Reynolds of Illinois, with 
the Sacs and Foxes and Winnebagos, at a council 
held on the west bank of the Mississippi, where 
Davenport now stands. 

The council had been called at Kock Island, but 
the meeting was changed to the west side of the river 
because the smallpox had broken out among the 
troops on the island. This purchase of some five 
million acres cost the government ten or twelve 
cents an acre. The treaty was ratified by congress 
February 13, 1833, and the Indians gave possession 
June 1. This tract seems to \vd\e been demanded 
of the Indians as a kind of indemnity for the ex- 
penses of the recent Black Ilawk A\'ar. 

September 28, 1836, Gov. Henry Dodge made a 
treaty with the Sacs and Foxes at Davenport, for 
the purchase of the Keokuk Reserve; and secured 
possession Novemlu'v 1, following. Young James W. 
Grimes, afUu-wards govcnior of Iowa and United 
States senator, was secretaiv of this council. This 



' The writer well remembers seeing General Scott and 
being greatly impressed with the majestic appearance of 
this one of his early heroes, as he was passing through 
Ohio during the presidential campaign of 184 8. The Gov. 
Lewis Cass, also previously mentioned, was another boy- 
hood hero, viewed with awe at an earlier date as he was 
traveling through Ohio in his private carriage from Detroit 
to Washington while representing Michigan in the U. S. 
senate. 



Pioneer Iowa. 17 

tract of 256,000 acres cost |195,988, about seventy- 
seveu ceuts au acre. 

THE SECOND BLACK HAWK PURCHASE. 

October 21, 1837, another treaty A\as made at 
^^'aslliugtoIl, D. C, for the cession of an additional 
1,250,000 acre tract adjoining- the IJhick Hawk 
Purchase on the west; the northern and southern 
points to correspond with the northwest and south- 
^^est corners of the former purchase, the lines to 
meet at a point west of the angle, and about 
tANenty-live miles distant. 

The south leg of the western boundary crossed 
the Des Moines river at the old town of lowaville, 
a mile above 8elma in Van Buren county. 

This tract cost some twenty cents an acre. Thus 
>\as opened for settlement five months after Iowa 
territory was created nearly three hundred town- 
ships of land, which was about one-fifth of what 
eight years later became the state of Iowa. 

PURCHASE OF CENTRAL IOWA TERRITORY. 

When, however, the government had once per- 
mitted the steadily advancing army of civilization 
to plant its feet on the nether banks of the Father 
of Waters, no second halting place could long be 
maintained within the beautiful land, short of the 
Missouri, and the government agents were kept busy 
seeking new treaties. At the end of another four 
years so many had come into tlie new territory to 
tind homes, and crowding up to I he borders, while 
wild game v/as seeking refuge in the forests of 
vcestern rivers, that when Gov. .John CMiaud)ers met 



18 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

thp ^ac aud Fox Indians at their agency near the 
Des Moines, ten miles west of the border, and a few 
miles east of where Ottumwa now stands, October 
11, 1842, he Avaw linalij able to convince them that 
Iowa would no longer afford them hunting grounds 
suited to their needs; and a treaty was concluded by 
which they conveyed all their remaining lands in 
Iowa to the United States. They were to vacate 
the eastern portion May 1, 1813, aud the remainder 
October 11, 1815. The line of division was to be: 
"A line running due north aud south from the 
l*aiuted or Red Rocks <m the White Breast fork of 
the Des Moines river, which rocks will be found 
about eight miles, when reduced to a straight line, 
from the junction of the White Breast with the 
Des Moines." 

The red rocks, however, were found to be, not on 
the White Breast which enters the Des Moines 
from the south, but on the north side of the Des 
Moines itself, about eight miles above the mouth 
of White Breast creek, to follow the river, or 5 1-3 
miles in a direct line. There are no other such 
rocks in the county nor indeed in the state. They 
form a very conspicuous ledge of deep red sand- 
stone, just such as would become a landmark to 
these roving peoples, and kno^ n far and wide ; and 
are situated very near the center of section 35-77- 
20, in Marion county. The line ran about a mile 
west of Knoxville and struck the south boundary 
of the neutral ground three miles west of Ackley 
in Hardin county. Tlie late Senator Alfred Hebard 
of Red Oak, Iowa, was present at the negotiation 
of this treaty and signed it as a witness. 

The Indians generally removed as they agreed, only 
about two hundred remaining beyond the allotted time, and 
they soon left. Before the first day of May, 1843, large 



Pioneer Iowa. 19 

numbers of white people assembled along the border, 
awaiting the hour when they could enter the portion of the 
new purchase then thrown open. Up to that date United 
States soldiers guarded the Indian country from Intruders, 
as ten years previously they had guarded the Black Hawk 
Purchase. Eager for the choicest locations, some explorers, 
when the midnight hour struck, crossed the border with 
blazing torches, and set stakes, and blazed trees, to mark 
their claims. The rest of the purchase was guarded by 
United States troops until the time fixed by the treaty for 
the removal of all the Indians, when there was another 
rush for choice locations.^ 

Two treaties of purchane and removal were 
made in 1846 ; one, June 5, bj Col. Peter A. ii^arpy, 
at Trader's Point on the Missouri river, in Mills 
county, with the Pottawattamies, for the re-pur- 
chase of the 5,000,000 acre tract on which they had 
been located by the {government in 1835, and their 
removal within two years to Kansas; and aaother, 
by which the Winnebagos, October 13, 1816, ceded 
their lands in the neutral grounds along the Upper 
Iowa, Turkey, Wapsipinecon, and Cedar rivers, 
for territory on the St. Peters river in ISIinnesota, 
from A\'hich they Avere removed in 1818. 

AVheu the Sisseton and Wahi>eton bands of the 
tSioux tinally surrendered the Spirit Lake country, 
by treaty of' July 23, 1851, more than 200,000 white 
people had homes in Iowa, yet a year later than 
that event, a fierce battle was fought six miles 
north of Algona in Kossuth county, between a 
band of Muscjuakies and a party of Sioux Avho had 
come to hunt on Ihc Fj^pcr Dcs Moines. They 
defeated their enemies, leaving sixteen dead Sioux 
to be sc;il]>c(l by their victors, left on the field and 
ue\er buried nor removed. 



' Dr. William Raltor's "Iowa, the First Free State in th? 
Loni°iana Pnrrhar.e," p. 251. 



20 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Allusion was made above to the fact that Avhen 
low a Territory Ava.s urgauized iu 1838, L'o,UOO peo- 
ple AA ere residing within its bounds on the 6,000,- 
000 or more acres previously opened for settlement 
by the tirst and second Black Hawk purchases; 
and that the government was not yet ready to sell 
an acre of land. The people had simply gone in 
and selected their claims, some of them — many of 
them — had been there waiting to buy for more 
than fi\e years. Homesteaders in those days had 
no special privileges, as in later years, of securing 
their homsteads Avithout cost, nor even to buy at a 
fixed price. Tiie law then provided that when the 
lands had been surveyed, and land offices opened, 
the lauds must all be offered at public auction, to 
the highest bidder; no bid to be accepted for less 
than |1.25 an acre. 

The tirst sur\eyors who entered the IJlack HaAvk 
I'urchase to lay otf township lines cauie in the 
autumn of 1880, after Governor Dodge's census 
takers had recorded the names of 10,531 residents. 

At the end of two years' surveying enough land 
had been divided into (juarter sections to open 
land offices. One Avas opened at Dubuque, NoAem- 
ber 5, 1838, and the other at lUirliuiitou, NoA'ember 
19, 1838. 

At the I)u))U(iue office tAventy-three toAvnships 
Avere plnced on sale, in toAN]isliii>s raugiug from 
78 to 1)2, and ranges from 1 to 8. 

At the Hurliugton office twenty-five townships 
Avere ])laced on sale, in townships ranging from 
07 to 77, and ranges from 1 to 10. 

October 21, 1839, six more townshi])s were 
}ilaced on sale, all at the I'urlington office; and 



Pioneer Iowa. ' 21 

iu 1840, 140 additional toAvnsliips had been divided 
up and were placed on sale. 

The following extract gives a very good picture 
of pioneer life in loAva in the earlier years. It is 
taken from an article published iu the April, 1868, 
uuinber of the Annals of Iowa, one of a series of 
articles written by Capt. F. M. Irish, an earl}^ 
settler of loAva City : 

The pioneer settlers of a new country may be compared 
to the vanguard of an army, the majority of them being 
young men witliout families, who have left the parental 
roof in the older settlements, and set out in search of a 
home upon the frontier, there to commence the great battle 
of life. The representative of this class is not encumbered 
with extra baggage, often performing the journey on foot, 
provided with a gun and ammunition, an ax and an auger, 
he penetrates into a region recently abandoned by the 
savage, and selecting a location where wood and water are 
convenient, he erects his cabin, and from the nearest trad- 
ing post or town he procures his furniture, consisting of a 
water bucket, two or three tin cups, as many plates, knives 
and forks, a cast iron Ijake oven, with cover, a coffee pot 
and frying pan. His provisions consist of as much corn 
meal as he can pack at one time, together with a side or 
shoulder of bacon. With this load upon his back he fre- 
quently travels thirty or forty miles before reaching his 
cabin. 

He is now ready to commence the staking-off of his claim 
and preparing for improvenaents; and noth withstanding the 
great labor required to procure his little store of provisions, 
he shares it most freely with anyone who may come to him 
destitute. There is a custom universally observed among 
them, namely, when leaving the cabin in the morning, they 
leave provisions cooked for the benefit of the way-farer 
who may call during the day. The writer of this article 
has often realized the benefit and convenience of this cus- 
tom. After traveling fifteen or twenty miles on foot, it was 
with pleasure I came in sight of a bachelor's cabin. My 
guide who was acquainted in this region, said, "Now, we 
will have something to eat." On entering, we found the 
owner absent. But my guide, examining the bake oven, 
found that it contained a fine "pone" well baked and yet 
warm. He then went to the cupboard, which had once 
done service as a dry goods box, finding there coffee. Put- 
ting that to boil, he cut and fried some bacon. We sat 



22 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

dowu and ate a hearty meal with as good au appetite as is 
enjoyed by any epicurean visitor of Delmonico's. Then 
by the use of a piece of chalk, we left our names accom- 
panied with our thanks, upon the door, and went our way. 
This was a universal custoni among the pioneers, who were 
proverbial for their hospitality. 

When any considerable number had settled in one vicin- 
ity, the first act toward the organization of civilized society 
was to form a "claim association" for mutual protection 
in the possession of their new homes. They drew up a 
constitution and by-laws, elected a president, secretary, and 
treasurer, and kept a proper record in which each member's 
name was entered, and the number of his claim recorded, 
in the possession of which the association were bound to 
protect him until he had an opportunity of purchasing at 
^he government sales. There has been much said in certain 
quarters against these claim associations; but it is evident 
this was the only means by which the pioneer could secure 
his home and receive any compensation for the many hard- 
ships he had endured; and as an evidence of the justice of 
the custom, congress has from time to time passed pre- 
emptioB laws, and more recently the "homestead law," all 
of which are virtually legalizing the principle upon which 
the "claim associations" were founded, and serve to pro- 
tect the early settler against the rapacity of the speculator 
and the more wealthy emigrant, who are sure to follow 
when the way has been opened and improvements com- 
menced. 

The pioneers of our county are fast passing away. Those 
that are left often look back with pleasure upon the happy 
days of the early settlements when our real wants were few 
and simple, and our pleasures and enjoyments had not the 
drawbacks of older communities, when there were no doc- 
tors, and very little sickness, no lawyers and disputes and 
quarrels very rare, those that did occur l>eing justly settled 
by arbitration, without cost. 

In the autumn of 183 9, the location of the seat of govern- 
ment at Iowa City, attracted many travelers from the east 
and north to this point, and there being no roads, strangers 
found it difficult to keep the course they wished. In cross- 
ing our large prairies, they often l)ecame lost and wandered 
far out of their way. This was especially the case in travel- 
ing from Iowa City to Duljuque. To remedy this, the cit- 
izens employed Lyman Dillon, Esq., to plow a furrow be- 
tween the two points, in as direct a line as practicable. 
Mr. Dillon started from Iowa City with his large breaking 
I)low, drawn by five yoke of oxen, accompanied by his 
driver. Tie had also wilh him a two-horse wagon contain- 



Pioneer Iowa. 23 

Ing cooking utensils and provisions for the trip. Through 
the day they would plow, anu at night turn the oxeu upon 
the prairie to feed, sleeping in the covered wagon. In this 
way they continued until Dubuque was reached, a distance 
from the starting point of 100 miles. This is believed to 
be the longest furrow on record, and served as a guide to 
travelers, and a well beaten road was soon made along 
side of Dillon's furrow. 

During the autumn of 1839, his excellency, Robert Lucas, 
governor of the territory, visited Iowa City, accompanied 
by two of his daughters and Gen. Fletcher of Muscatine, 
who acted as their guide. The whole party were on horse- 
back, this being the most comfortable mode of traveling at 
the time, the roads being very rough. The governor and 
his party met with a most cordial reception from our small 
community, his party being quartered in the most com- 
modious cabin in the city, and the only one boasting of an 
attic for a lodging room. This apartment was not reached 
by a spacious stair-way, but by ladder made in the most 
primitive style, by which a person ascended through a very 
narrow aperture in the upper floor. Here the governor and 
his party were very comfortably lodged. During this visit 
the governor purchased a claim near the city, and had the 
same recorded, becoming a member of the association. A 
few years later he built a comfortable residence upon this 
property, removed his family here, where he resided until 
the close of his life. 

On the first of January, 1840, about twenty families were 
living in Iowa City, who had prepared as best they could, 
to spend their first winter in their new home, and though 
no one suffered for the absolute necessaries of life, yet 
all were compelled to live very plainly and to observe the 
strictest economy. - No flouring mills v/ere nearer than the 
Mississippi, and most of our flour and meal was brought 
from Warren county, Illinois, a distance of seventy miles. 



CHAPTER II. 

Pioneer Baptists 

The first J>aptij^t luiui.ster kiiowu to have settled 
iu Iowa was Eldei- Hezekiah Johnsou. He was 
boru iu ]Maryhiiul, .\laicli 0, 1799. He came to 
Iowa territory in the spriiii; of 18o(l from Frauk- 
forl, Oliio, aud served under appointment of the 
American Baptist Home Mission society from 1839 
to 1841 as itinerant missionary. 

He preaclied tlie introductory sermon at the 
organization of the first J>aptist association organ- 
ized in the territoiy at the Long Creek, afterwards 
J)aiiville, l!a])tist churcli in August, 1839. Octo- 
ber 2, 1841, lie preaclied at the organization of the 
Washingtcm r>a]itist church. His name occurs as 
(h'legate from the Pisgali church at the organiza- 
tion of the Iowa IJaptist state convention, June 3, 
1842, at Iowa City. Later iu the year he was 
lU'esent a( the ordination of Kev. AVm. Elliott. In 
3813 he attended the second meeting of the con- 
vention aud served as moderate^-. \\'hile the con- 
\ (Mil ion ^\•as in session the following year at \\'ash- 
iugtoii, oTi his motion a commitlee was a])i»oin(('d 
"to rake into consideration the expediency of es- 
tablishing an instil n( ion of learning." This com- 
mitiee of which he was a niend>er, lal<'r brongld in 
a r«'|>orl which is (iu<>lc<l in.Ihe following cha|»tci'. 

24 



Pioneer Baptists. 25 

Whou the convention met at Blooniiuj;ton 
(Mnseatine) ^fny 3, 1845, the foHowini; Avas 
ado])ted :- 

Whereas two of those beloved ministers who have been 
fellow-laborers in this territorj' have taken their departure 
for Oregon, and are now on their wearisome journey across 
the Rocky Mountains in order to preach Christ and Him 
crucified to the thousands who are congregating and have 
emigrated there, therefore, 

Resolved, That while we lament the loss of the labors of 
brethren, lE'zra Fisher and H. Johnson, from among us, we 
would commend them to God and the word of His grace, 
praying that the divine l)lessing may attend their labors 
in building up the Redeemer's cause in the distant terri- 
tory of Oregon. 

Elder Jolmson oimanized the Baptist chnirh at 

Oreo-on City and laboi^'d tliere under a])pointment 

of tlie Home Mission so(i(4y from 1847 to 1851. 

He traveled, preached, helped to organize churches and 
associations and lay the foundations of religious and educa- 
itonal institutions in the new state. He also wrote and 
published many sermons and pamphlets, completing the 
iast on his death bed. He was one of the strongest Baptist 
preachers in the early days in Oregon, as he had been of 
Iowa. Over his grave and that of his faithful wife is placed 
a memorial stone with the simple inscription. Pioneer 
Baptist Missionaries. He was the father of Rev. Franklin 
.Johnson, D. D., LL. D., of the University of Chicago divin- 
ity school. 

His death ocenrred at Orei^'on City, Oregon, in 
Anjvnst, ISfifi. 

Rev. Alexander Evans seems to have oome to 
Towa as early as 1887, probably from ronneetient, 
and became ])astor of the Danville chnrch where 
he remained for several years. In Mitchell's His- 
torical Sketches of Towa Baptists it is stated that 
Elder Evans ba]>tized Brother Elihn Chandler at 
Danville in 1837. He was elected first clerk of 
the old Des ^Foines association ora^anized at Lons: 
Creek in Anj^Mist, 1830. He also attended the 
organization of the state convention at Iowa City 



26 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

in 1842. Was present also at the Davenport 
meeting the next year. He removed to Oregon in 
1845. 

Rev. Ezra Fisher, another of the earliest pastors 
and missionaries in Iowa Territory, was born at 
Wendel, Mass., Jan. 6, 1800. He graduated from 
Newton Theological Seminary in 1829 and was 
ordained the following January. Two years later 
he was sent by the Home Mission society to Indian- 
apolis, Tnd., and in 1839 to Iowa. He organized 
the Bloomington (Muscatine) Baptist church. 
Was present at the first three meetings of the state 
convention and was its third moderator. After an 
active ministry in Iowa he crossed the plains in 
1845 to Oregon and organized, the first Baptist 
church west of the Eocky Mountains in Washing- 
ton county, Oregon. He continued as missionary 
until 1852 when he became the general agent of 
Oregon territory. At one time was in charge of 
the Bai>tist school at McMinnville, returning later 
to the pastorate in which he continued until the 
time of his death, November 1, 1874, at The Dalles, 
Oregon. 

Bev. Jonah Todd came to Iowa, from a pastorate 
of some Tears' if'notli in Pennsylvania, as early as 
1839. He WPS chosen moderator at the organiza- 
tion of the first nsso<"iation in the territory at Long 
OreoV in August, 1839. He was also present at the 
organization of the state convention in 1842. In 
■J 848 was reported rtastov of the Pisgah church and 
seems to have lost his health soon after. After 
some yenrs' residencp at Burlington he died uf'ar 
Dodgeville. "Hps Moines coun+v. May 12, 18fi3. 

Bev Onlvin OrccnVnf wns another of the earli- 
est pioneers. He came to Davenport as a mission- 



Pionrrr B(rptists. 27 

Mi'v in 1S80 from Orij>osvillo, 111., but uo later 
mention of him is found in the early annals of 
Towa. 

In 1841 two more pastors came to Iowa: Bnrton 
Tarpenter to Dnbnqne and Warren B. Morey to 
Towa r'ity, both nn<l('T" a])pointment of the Home 
^Mission society. (''ar])enter was the first mod- 
erator of the state convention and Morey was its 
first clerk. No mention is made of Carpenter after 
1S43, ]\rorey became pastor of the Iowa Citj 
church. July 24, 1S41, soon after its organization. 
Tie remained there as pastor till 1851 when he 
removed to Oolnmbus CMy. 

In the year 1842 five additional ministers en- 
tered the territory: Tharles E. Brown, Hiram Bur- 
nett, ^r. J. Post, Ira A. Blanchard, and Daniel 
•Tewett, and William Elliott and William Sperry 
were ordained. Brown came direct from old Madi- 
son university with his younj; wife early in 1842 
to the Fork of the ]\raquoketa in Jackson county, 
and remained in the teriMtory and state most of 
the time for many years fulfillinjr a most useful 
ministry as a sturdy pioneer of those days. Fifty 
years after his comino- he published an interestinn: 
little book of personal reminiscences of 130 paijes, 
for distribution amoni>" his personal friends. It 
ijives a ♦iTnpbic ]>icture of pioneer missionary life 
in the early days. The Baptist Annual of 1001, 
paire 64, contains the following: 

Rev. Charles E. Brown died at the residence of his son 
in Ottumwa, July 23. 1901, at the ripe age of 88. In the 
death of Brother Brown we bid farewell to the last mem- 
ber of this state convention who was present at its organi- 
zation in 1842. He was a pioneer of the pioneers, serving 
the state in its legislature; and in all questions of reform 
or religion he stood a tower of strength. We owe him a 



28 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

debt we never can repay. We can truly say, Servant of 
God, well done: rest from your loved employ. 

Hiram Burnett, born in Georgia, February 19, 
1700, was ordained in Ohio in 1832, and came to 
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1842, organizing that 
churcli and preaching tlier(^ for twelve .years. He 
aided in the organization and growth of a number 
of other churches in southeastern Iowa. "His piety 
was warm, manly and enlightened, and his cheer- 
fulness a ]ierennial spring. He was a daily, living 
exemplification of Christian cheerfulness." His 
death oc<-urred at his home in ]\It. Pleasant, Jan- 
uary 8, 1881, in his eighty-second year. 

^r. .1. Post was born in Franklin county, Ver- 
mont, June 8, 1812, and came to Iowa early in 
1812, settling in Van Buren county, being ordained 
soon after. In June he rode horseback a hundred 
miles to attend the organization of the state con- 
Aention at Iowa City. He ])reached the gospel 
with great earnestness and power until the time of 
his death. In 1847 he pilote<l the Hollanders seek- 
ing a home in Iowa to Pella and removed there 
soon after, where he died April 2, 1848. 

Ira E. Blanchard aided in the organization of 
several churches in Delaware, Dubuque and Clay- 
ton counties and continued to preach in Iowa until 
1850 when he removed to California, dying there 
two years later. 

Daniel Jewett harl come to Farmington, Iowa, 
prior to the meeting of the state convention in 
1842, and was named one of the executive board. 
He attended the ordination of William Elliott at 
Rochester, Van Buren county, in October of the 
same year. After a residence of a number of years 
at Farmington he removed to Des Moines," but re- 



Pioneer Baptists. 2d 

turned before the flnte of his death in the spring 
of 1882. 

William Elliott was a native of Ohio and was 
converted and licensed to i)reach ^larch IT, 1830. 
He later removed to Iowa, settling at Rochester, 
Van P>nren county. He traveled one hundred miles 
on foot to attend the organization of the Iowa Bap- 
tist state convention at Iowa City in June, 1842, and 
in the following October was ordained by a council 
of ministers at the Rochester church. He was by 
nature and choice an evangelist and missionary. 
He served a large number of churches for short 
pastorates in southeastern Iowa and was associa- 
tional missionary. He spent some years in Neb- 
raska and returned for a pastorate in 1897-1809 
at West Chester in the Washington association. 
Later he removed to California and died at the 
home of his daughter in San Francisco, December 
11, 1900. He was a man of great earnestness and 
a good preacher and baptized many hundreds of 
converts during his long ministry. 

William Sperry came to Iowa in 1842, and was 
ordained the same year. He was present at the 
state convention in 1844 and 1845 from Agency 
City, and member of the executive board, but re- 
moved to Oregon about 1851. 

John P.ond came from Indiana to Iowa as early 
as 1842, and was present as delegate at the ordina- 
tion of William Elliott in October of that year, a 
member of the executive board of the state conven- 
tion in 1848 from Portland, also again from 1849 
to 1852. Was a delegate to the state convention 
in 184fi as a licentiate from the Oskaloosa church, 
and was probably ordained there that year or the 
next, as in 1847 he was again reported present as 



30 lona Buptht Schooh. 

K»'v. J. lioud, thougli no lueutiou has beeu found 
of his ordination. He preached the introductory 
sermon at the organization of the Central associa- 
tion in 1852, and soon after left the territory for 
Oregon. 

Rev. Jesse N. Seeley, was born May 15, 1^15, 
studied at Hamilton and Granville, and graduated 
from the Hamilton Theological Seminary. He 
came to Iowa in 1843 and conducted a revival at 
Le Clair-e, twenty-two joining by baptism and eight 
by letter. This church was first named Bath. The 
next year he became pastor at Bloomington, and 
went to Keokuk in 1847. His health failing, he went 
south where he preached for eight years, and re- 
turning in 18(U, accepted a call at Cordova, 111. 
Later returning to Iowa he settled at Clinton, 
where he died Aju'il 15, 1898, at the ripe age of 8.'?, 
most of his life having been spent in Iowa. 

He occasionally attended our state conventions 
till near +he end of his life, and his face had long 
been familiar in these gatherings. 

Rev. Lyman Carpenter came as early as 1813, 
and attended the state convention that year and 
the following from Bloomington. He was or- 
dained at the Blue Grass church, Scott county, 
February 11, 1847, where he remained as a much 
love<I pastor until October, 1860, when failing health 
constrained him to resign ami remove to Califor- 
nia, where he died June 27, 18fi5. 

In 1844 Revs. Daniel Dye, Hamilton Robb, and 
R. Cheedle were reported at the state convention, 
and Horace Eaton and Edwin S. Byron came the 
same year. 

Daniel Dye came from Indiana, served as mis- 
sionary pastor at Davenport part of the year, and 



Pioneer Baptists. 31 

later at Keosauqua; removed the next year to 
Rock Island, Til., and thence to New York. 

R. Cheedle was a delegate to the state conven- 
tion in 1844 from the Virginia Grove church, was 
moderator of the old Des Moines association in 
1848, and soon after left for Oregon. 

Hamilton Robb appenrs to have been ordained 
in Iowa in 1844, was missionary pastor at Keosau- 
qua and Mt. Pleasant in 1844. He removed the 
next year to Illinois and died there a year later. 

Horace Eaton was under appointment of the 
Home Mission society a part of the time from 
1844 to 1846, residing at AndreAv, and soon after 
left the state. 

Edwin S. Byron succeeded Elder Burton Car- 
penter at Dubuque in September, 1844, as appoin- 
tee of the American Barttist Home Mission society, 
but no later mention of him is found. 

In 1845 at least two more notable brethren be- 
gan preaching in Iowa : 

Dexter P. Smith was born in the state of New 
York in 1810. He was a graduate of Hamilton in 
1837, and entered the iiastorate in his native state 
where his labors were blessed with many conver- 
sions. In May, 1845, under appointment of the 
Home Mission societv, Mr. Smith commenced 
work in the Dnvennort nssociation at Iowa nity. 
then the capitpl of the territory. Speaking of this 
appointment in later years he says : 

Iowa City, strange as it may now seem, was then the 
extreme western missionary outpost. There was no church 
or mission station between Iowa and the -Rocky Mountains 
or the Pacific coast. Moreover, at thet time, the Davennort 
association embraced all the Baptist interests in Northern 
Iowa and Minnesota. 



^2 Iowa Baptist ScJiools. 

This Ava>< truly idouecr f^orvict', and us we look 
back to it aud its results, after more than sixtj'' 
years of growth aud expansion, we may realize 
something- of its vast importance. 

In 1851 he accepted an appointment from the 
American Sunday School Union, as general Sun- 
day school missionary- for the state. While in this 
service, continuing until 1858, he raised large 
sums of money Avhich were applied to establisfiing 
Sunday schools and supplying libraries at many 
points in the territory. At a union meeting held 
by him in the Baptist church at Davenport a single 
subscription was made for these purposes of 
.|],000, and later paid in twenty-dollar gold pieces. 
Nearly all these Sunday schools became a little 
later nuclei for churches. In 1858 he was pre- 
vailed upon to accept the financial agency of the 
Iowa Baptist state convention which had incurred 
a lai'ge debt in the effort to supply the call for 
gos])el preaching in the new settlements and towns 
every wliere springing up. After serving the con- 
vention with great ability for two and a half years, 
he was compelled to resign by reason of ill health. 
He was twice elected president of the convention, 
and pi'eached two of its annual sermons. 

The doctor was a broadminded and nseful man 
in every cause he espoused. He took great interest 
in the efforts of young men to prepare for the 
gospel ministry, had a prominent part in the orgi- 
nization in 18fi7, of the Iowa Baptist Union for 
ministerial education. He served as secretary of 
the union for tAvelve years, and was instrumental 
in securing funds to aid large numbers in their 
efforts to educate themselves for the Master's 
work. He was a genial and kind hearted Christian 



Pioneer Baptistfi. 33 

gentleman, and with his lovely wife, had always 
a hospitable home alike for friend or stranger. 

After a useful life of nearly forty years in Iowa, 
he removed to the Parific^ coast in 1883, and re- 
sided at Santa Ana, Cal., with their son Carey. 
In 1887 they releln'ated tlieir golden wedding, he 
having been married and ordained on the same 
day, July 11, 1837. Dr. Smith's life work was 
largely in Iowa, wh(M'e he h^ft a great ho.st of 
friends who loved and h(mored him, and who will 
cherisli jn's memory as of an elder and greatly 
beloved brollioi. ^May his life and labors and ex- 
ample continue to inspire young men to the noble 
Christian manhood and service illustrated in his 
useful life. 

Samuel Pickai-d was anoUier young man of great 
force of character and of consecrated life. And 
he gave some to be evangelists. Such was the com- 
mission issued to Samuel Pickard; and faithfully 
he fulfilled the mission for more than tifty years. 
It is not so easy, sixty years later, to do justice to 
such a mission and its results, but it is written on 
high in a myriad of saved souls, and that is enough. 

The following beautiful tribute was written by 
his old friend, l^ev. S. H. :Mitchell, for the Baptist 
Annual of 1899 : 

Rev. Samuel Pickard died at Berwick, 111., August 20, 
1899, in his 79th year. He was born in Indiana, of Quaker 
parents, who are said to have disinherited him liecause he 
l)ecame a Baptist. He came to Iowa when quite young, and 
though in recent years Illinois has been the scene of his 
active ministry, he spent many years in Iowa in very active 
work for his Lord. In the stirring revivals of thirty-five 
and forty years ago he was a prominent figure, along with 
Morgan Edwards, William Elliott, and Dr. G. .1. Johnson. 
"The Stalwart Soul Winner," the latter calls him in an 
appreciative tribute since his departure. In many of the 
churches in southeast Iowa twenty and more years ago, i^n4 



•34 foil- a Baptist Schools. 

even later, it would be found on inquiry that a considerable 
l)ortion of the active workeis and burden bearers had been 
converted in meetings held by Brother Pickard, a striking 
testimony to the value of the evangelistic method in church 
work. 

Tlic year lS4(i l)roii|nlit to Towa many emigrants, 
inclnding doubtless many Hai^tists. Of the minis- 
ters wlio (aiuc tliat year Ave Iuiac the names of six 
^\ho remained long' enough to hnn*' some record in 
tlic siil)S('<pi('nt nuM'tings held. 

IJcv. Teter JJohinson ]»i'<)!)al>ly songht both resto- 
ration of health and a nsefnl ti<d<l of labor by oom- 
ing" to the new territoi'y, but the one could not be 
fonnd, and the other was vonchsafed for a brief 
])eriod <»idy. ITis (\arly friend, Dr. Dexter P. 
Smith, says in ^TitchelFs Historical SJketches of 
loAva T>ai»tists, ])age 471 : 

Rev. Peter Rol)insou died at Marion in September, 1846. 
I was associated with him as a student at Madison Univer- 
sity, and in 1S46 hailed him as a fellow laborer in Iowa. 
But while admiring his work of faith and brightening pros- 
pects at Marion, the summons came. Tt only remained to 
comply with his request, go to Marion and preach his 
funeral sermon, comfort the bereaved church, accept the 
situation, be faithful unto death and meet him in Glory. 

Tver. Isaac AA'hitemoie, another Uaptist minister, 
fell l>y the way in l.ce county, as re])orted by Rev. 
r>. V. TJrabroolv in his o1)ituary report to the 
DaA'eniM)rt association for that year. 

Kl'^•. 1). V. IJrabrook had been r<uiiiiig over into 
the teri'itory since 1843, from TJock Island, to at- 
tend various services and now became pastor at 
Dav('n])orl, and is made secretary of the state con- 
vention that year. Tn 1840 he was elected pi'es- 
ident of the ccmvention. He was also chosen that 
year moderator of the Daven]>ort association and 
several times later. 



Pioneer Baptists. 35 

There were at this time thirteen churches and 
seven pastors in the association, and a note ai" 
peuded to the statistical report published In the 
minutes jT^ives a characteristic view of pioneer life 
in those days: 

Pastors in the association, seven. Note, of these one has 
left the state, another has removed from the bounds of the 
association, another is In the east making collections to aid 
in the erection of a meeting house, another is suffering 
under protracted indisposition, another is occupied mainly 
in the practice of medicine, and still another relies chiefly 
upon the cultivation of his lands for support. Surely we 
may say, the laborers are few, but the harvest truly is 
great. The Davenport association comprises the whole 
country lying between the Mississippi and the two Iowa 
rivers. 

~SJv. I>rabrook was a man of rare ability, insis^ht, 
and .«<pirit, and a natural ]«^.^der. He rendered a 
useful service during' the se\'en years' labor in the 
churcli, association, and ^-tate, and completed his 
labors June 9, 1853. The minutes of the associa- 
tion that year contain the following:: 

Whereas in his infinite wisdom, God has removed our 
esteemed brother, Rev. B. F. Brabrook from his important 
field of labor as exploring agent of the Baptist Home Mis- 
sion Society, in this place; therefore, 

Resolved, That this association while they bow to the 
will of God, and record their gratitude to him for his good- 
ness, in permitting his labors so long within this state, 
cannot l)ut mourn his death and their loss; and they would 
express their sense of his talents, piety, usefulness, and 
devotion to the cause of Christ, especially in Iowa. 

Rev. Horace Worden, came from Illinois in 1.S40. 
He attended. the convention that year, as pat^ioi' 
from the Round Point church, which seems to have 
been changed the next year to the Agency Ciiy 
church. In 1848 and 1849 he was reported pastor 
at Keosauqua and in 1850 and 1851 at Keokuk, and 
1852 he returned to Illinois. 



36 /(tirti Boptifft Schools. 

Tiov. Gi'Oim' ^V. l{<m<l 4ain(' to Town with his 
fatlKM-, lU'w .lolui l>oii(l. He was licensorl to 
jivcach at Kdd.vvilh' in 1840. The church sent a 
letter tliat .v<^ar to tlie association for his ordina- 
tion, hut after exaniinafion th<' request was il'Miied. 
The next vcai-, lie attended the state convention as 
a deleiiatc from the Princeton churdi, and ».vas or- 
(hiined in 1S4S, ]{cv. William Elliott ]>reachin« r!ie 
ordination sermon. ITc serve«l the Aurora church 
near l*ella one year and the Knoxville church one 
year, and in 1852 removed to Oregon. 

Kev. William T\nai>i» attended the state con- 
vention in 1840 as a licentiate of the church at 
Farminj^ton. Tie was ]>resent at tlie three follow- 
iuii sessions (d' tin' c<mventiou, in 1847 as pastor at 
Farminiitoii, and in 1848 and 1840 at ^^\i. Zion, an 
early and notable country church near Keosauqua. 
A little later in the latter year he Avas stricken 
with cliolera while away from home on duty. 
Tirother Atitchell tells the i>athetic story on ]>a!ie 
172 of his sketches: 

Rev. William R. Knap]) of Charleston and his entire fam- 
ily, consisting: of wife and two or three children, died of 
cholera in 1849. The family had entertained a stranger at 
their home, who either before or immediately after leav- 
ing, sickened and died with the fatal disease. They had 
entertained an angel unawares but it proved to be the angel 
of death. Mr. Knapp left his home to fill an appointment 
at Denmark, and while there was attacked with the cholera 
and died in a few hours. .Wiout the same time death smote 
his wife and one of the children, and while a messenger 
was bearing to his home the sad news of his death, another 
was on the way to convey to Denmark the sorrowful tidings 
that he never received. 

Rev. S. H. ^ritchell, in des<'rihin}>' the annual 
uu'etino- of the old Des Moines association In l*'4fl, 
says ; 



Pioneer Baptists. i^7 

Elder Shaply Elmore and J. Moore are among 
the ministers not named above. 

But no other mention of these names has b('en 
found. 

Rev. William Rutledge, died at Le Claire, October 27. 
1868. Born in England August 19, 1804; he rendered ex- 
cellent service in London in the temperance cause, and as 
a laj' preacher in Essex county. He came to America in 
1845, and the following year was ordained in Philadelphia. 
He came to Davenport in 1847 as a colporteur of the Ameri- 
can Baptist Publication society. He was pastor of the 
churches at Le Claire and Princeton, Iowa, and CordoYa 
and Port Bryon, 111., laboring in this vicinity for twenty- 
tv,'o yeai's. He preached his last sermon October 18, and 
died just nine days later, in his sixty-fifth year. — Historical 
Sketches, p. 4 83. 

Rev. A. H. Taylor, came in October, 1847, under 
appointment of the Home Mis.siou society, to labor 
at Bloomin.o'ton, but remaiiwd little more than a 
year. When the convention of 1849 was in session 
at lovfa City, June 2, the following resolution was 
passed : 

Resolved, That this convention unanimously records 
their high appreciation of the v/orth and labors of the 
esteemed Rev. A. H. Taylor, who in consequence of the con- 
tinued illness of his family since his first arrival in Iowa, 
October, 1847, has felt constrained to return to his native 
New York. — Baptist Annual, 1849, p. 5. 

Rev. T. TT. Archibald, came to Dubuque in 1847, 
and was elected clerk of tlie Davenport association 
in October of that year. He remained there 
throu,£>h 1848, goiuo- in 1840 to DaA'enpori, where 
he labored for two yenrs more. At the ]\Tay con- 
vention in 1851, Dr. Oeorge J. Johnson offered the 
following, which was unanimously passed : 

Resolved, That with unfeigned regret we have learned of 
the intention of our brother, T. H. Archibald, to leave our 
state, and we do hereby particularly request him to recon- 
sider his intention, and if possible to remain among ub. 
But should he however on doing so, still feel It his 
duty to go; be it also 



38 h>v'(i liitpilst i^chftols:. 

Resolved, That he carry with him our hearts' desires 
for his welfare and the hope of a speedy return to us. 

^Ir. Aicliiltiild retiirued to Vermont, and in lf>00 
]\o wjis still liviiifi' :it Afiddlohnry that state. 

Tiov.. Tames M. }ro]>e, came from New York io 
Towa in 184S, and was ])i'(^sent at tlie Jnne meetinti- 
of the ((mA-enlion at Davenport. He came nnder 
a])])ointment of the Home ^lission society to 
T)n]»iiqne. lint lie was not i»ermitte<l to remain 
lonii' in the state. Seriously impaired vision com- 
pelled liim the following' year to leave the ministry 
in Towa avIkm-c he had won many friends, and re- 
tni'ii east. 

]v(W. Le<»iiard llsl(\v came to P^irniington the 
same year fiom New York, hnt remained only a 
short lime retnrninn' in 1840. 

T^ev. S. \\. Johnson came November 2S, 1848. to 

]>loomin2,ton, sncceedinii' pastor Taylor, The name 

of tlie town and chnrch was chanii'ed in 1840 to 

^Fiiscjitine. Mi*. Johnson after tliree yeai's' snc- 

cessfnl ]);!storate, removed in 1851 to ^Tissonri. 

Rev. A. Thompson was ordained in Indiana in 1847, and 
came to Towa in 1S4S, and located in the new and destitute 
region southwest of the Des Moines river. In 185 7 he was 
appointed missionary of the Eden association and the state 
convention, and labored with great success, baptising with- 
in the year 'not less than ninety-nine converts with his 
own hands." He died in the Eden association in 1859.- — 
Historical Sketches. 

Dnriiiii the year 1840 the Asiatic cliolera 
sconr.nc spread over the Avhole land east and west, 
paralyzini;' eveiv enler]>rise, and espe<-ially immi- 
gration. 

Tvev. Geor.ue AY. Gorham and O. S. Rardinj; 
came to Towa. Gorham from Gonnecticnt to 
Dnhnqne, and Hardinp; to l^iirview. Gorham re- 
turned to Connecticut the following year. Hard- 



Pioneer Baptists. 39 

iiig seems to have remained at x\iiamosa several 
3^ears, but no mention has been found later than 
1855. 

Rev. Elilni Gnnn, came from Massachusetts to 
Keokuk in Octobe]% 1849, and remained there as 
]!astor until called to Pella for the presidency of 
Central University in 1S5T. In 1802 he returned 
to the pastorate at V.\. Pleasant, remaining there 
until about 1870, He then I'emoved to Kansas for 
twelve years, returning to Tovv'a for short pas- 
torates at Ft. Madison and Keokuk. His marked 
ability as preaclier and pastor is s])oken of else- 
wliere. Re vras for one \'ear president and two 
years secretary of ihP' convention. 

Ilev. George T. Johnson, came from New York to 
Burlington in 1818 under appointment of tlie 
Home ]Mission society. .Wt(>r a few months he or- 
ganized a church of twelv-' members, and built and 
paid for a good house of worship. At the end of a 
ten years' pastorate he lesigned, leaving a church 
of more tluin two hundred i^iendiers, the largest 
jind strongest in the s[ate. Going to Ft. Madison 
he remained five years, baptisijig nearly two hun- 
dred more into the church's membership. He later 
spent nineteen years in the service of the American 
Baptist Publication Society, mostlv in the west; 
raised a hundred tliousand dollars for Shurtleff 
college; returned in 1880 for a second three vears' 
pastorate at Burlington, helping them to erect and 
pay for another elegant house of worship; dedi- 
cated a hundred churches or more, and in a mar- 
velou.s way niaintained his unbounded energy 
almost to the end of his long and most useful life. 

Tn addition to the ministers named above there 
were doubtless many lay members, both men and 



4:0 hum Jhipliat Schools. 

womoii, Avbo took an oqiially active part in pro- 
niotiiiji tlio s|»iritiial iiitorosts of their time. In 
ilic iiKMoev records of that period now available, 
a few names only can be added. 

Deacon Edwin r*ady of Long Treek, came to the 
territory probably in 1839, and his name appears 
at a nnmber of the early sessions of the state con- 
vention as trustee of the convention, and of P.iir- 
linii'ton T^niversity, and a most liberal supporter of 
churcli work. Tn 1840 ^Nfrs. Lydia <^''ady, his wife, 
is said to have made the first Towa ccmtribution to 
llic AuHM-ican T>a]>tist ^Mi.ssionary T^'nion, in the 
sum of -fl. .")(). Two years later ^fr. fady j^ave |5 
of the second contributicm from Iowa, amonntinj? 
to lll.fiT. 

When the Burlington association met at Pisgah church 
in 1881. Danville mentioned in their letter the loss by 
death of Deacon E. Cady, who has been an active member 
of that church for forty-two years. Few meeting houses 
or other Baptist enterprises anywhere in this part of Towa, 
but have some offering fiom him registered within their 
walls. — Historical Sketches. 

William I>. Ewinjj; was born at (lettysburj;. Pa., 
:May 1, 1T!I3, and came to Ilurlinot.m in 1830. Tie 
lirsl went into the dry j>oods busin<\ss, and at the 
cud of five years chanjied to the hardware busine.«5S 
in company with ^Mr. John (4. Foot, which he con- 
tinued for many years. For over fifty-two years he 
was a devoted member of the r>a]>tist church, a 
true standard bearer, and to his many friends one 
whom they loved and i'es])ected. 

Deacon Henry A. Txitner, son of Governor Ritner 
of Pennsylvania, was at the oioanizati<m of the 
stat(^ convention, fi^om Kochester, Van Ruren 
county. Tlis name appears often as a deleijate at 
the early meetings of the convention, and member 



Pioneer Baptists. 41 

of its executive board for years. He later removed 
to Danville, and was accidentally killed in April, 
18G4, on the railroad, while on his way home from 
JJurlingtoii, where he had In-en to send some relief 
or token of k)ve to Jiis .sons in the army. 

Deacon Major W . Kndd came to Iowa in 1841, 
Avas also at the ca-jianization of the state conven- 
tion, walkinjn ther«^ a distance of near one hundred 
miles, and afterwards attending many of its an- 
nual sessions. He taugiit school at liochester in 
1843, and afterwards traveled extensively in the 
territory selling religious books. He died at his 
home in Washington, Alarch 1>5, 1885. 

Josepii T. Fales was another acti\e and very use- 
ful, public sjjirited citizen, and honored member 
of the denomination in its earliest history in Iowa. 
In 184li and 1843 he resided at Dubu(|ue. and was 
at ditt'erent times both moderator and clerk of the 
state convention. In 1846 and 1847 he resided at 
Iowa City, and later at lUirlington, from which 
place he received an appointment from the govern- 
ment and removed to Washington, D. ('. He took 
great interest in all religious and educational en- 
terprises of his tiuK', and died in the city of Wash- 
ington at an early day. The writer well remem- 
bers his tliree beautiful daughters, Carrie, Sarah. 
and Emma, who used to sing in the choir of the 
Ba]>tist church at lUirlington. One later married 
Mr. E. A. Van Meter, another A. G. Barrett, and 
the third F. T. Parsons. 

Deacon Calvin Craven anil his good wife were 
the first Baptists in Washington county in the 
early forties, where they renuiined for many years 
to serve wisely their day and generation. Tliey 



42 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

came in 1840, aud aided in the orgauizatiou uf the 
Washington Baptist church, October '2, 18J:1. 

Other names made prominent in that pioneer 
period, deserve mention by devotion to the public 
interests of their time : Deacon Benjamin liupert 
of Dubuque, Dr. J. M. Withenvax and Deacon C. 
G. Blood of Daveni)brt, H. II. Hawlej" and Ar. in 
Parsons of Burlingt(m, all personaljy kno^vn to 
the writer, in the later fifties, belong to thio cla^s, 
but one more mention must suffice. 

Judge Joseph M. Beck of Ft. Madi.Si.=n belonged 
also to this period, as also to all Iowa at a mucli 
later period. He came to Iowa in 18X7, and at 
once became prominent in religious and all other 
enterprises for promoting the public good. He 
was born in Ohio, April 21, 1823; was educated at 
Hanover college, Ind., and taught school for a time 
in Kentucky. He came to Montrose, Iowa, in 1817, 
and two years later removed to Ft. Madison. In 
1850 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Lee 
county, and in 1867, to the Iowa supreme bench. 
In this high office he served twenty-four years, his 
fourth term ending in 1891, "the peer of any mem- 
ber old or new." He was a man of the highest 
character, broadest learning, and kindliest spirit, 
devotedly attached to the church of his choice, to 
education and everything tending to promote hon- 
esty, morality, and temperance. May 30, 1903, he 
came in jteace to his grave in a full age — 80 years 
— in his beautiful home in Fort Madison. 

It was the original intention to extend this list 
through (lu> years 1850 and 1851, so as to include 
all tlie Baptist ministers wlio had served up to the 
time when the movement began for establishing 
the school at Burlington. Tliis would li.nve added 



Pioneer Baptists. 43 

the names of uboui tweuiy more pastors besides 
some lay bietlireu and sisters. It tliialiy seemed 
better to limit these iutroductory chapters, iu or- 
der to keep the A\hoh' withiu siualier bounds. 

The t'oHowing excerpts are taken from Ifev. 
Charles E. Brown's Personal Reminiscences, j)ub- 
lished in 1893, and jn-esent a real picture of 
pioneer life in the forties. 

In October 1841, our wish was laid before the board of 
the New York State Missionary convention, at its annual 
meeting, held in Whitesborough. In the application noth- 
ing was said about salary or any local field — only send us 
to Iowa territory. The convention endorsed the application 
and recommended an appointment by the board of the 
American Baptist Home Mission Society. In due time the ap- 
pointment came, designating the Forks of the Maquoketa, 
Jackson county, territory of Iowa, as the field, on a salary 
of one hundred dollars per annum and seventy-five dollars 
for traveling expenses to the field. As household goods 
could not be transported so far, we sold all except clothing, 
bedding, a common table and stand, which could be con- 
veniently packed in boxes, and a kitchen rocking chair, for 
the comfort and convenience of the mother in caring for 
the two children on the journey. We also bought a cook 
stove of small size, which we took to pieces and packed In 
straw. Our goods, well packed in boxes, weighed about 
1600 pounds. Monday, May 2, 1842, we left Utica on a 
canal line boat for Iowa. 

We had pleasant sailing to Chicago, where we arrived 
Sunday at 1 p. m.. and put up at a small two story tavern 
called the New York" house. In the evening we attended 
meeting at the Baptist church, and heard Elder Thomas 
Powell preach. The house stood upon the lot now occupied 
by the Chamber of Commerce building. 

On Monday we hired a man from Rock ford who had been 
in with a load, to take us and our goods to Savanna, on 
the Mississippi river. It was a lumljer wagon. After loading 
the boxes, the rocking chair which we had brought from 
our New York home was fastened on top of one of. the 
boxes; a little chair from a furniture store was fastened to 
the side of the rocker. My good wife cheerfully mounted 
and took her seat in the locking chair and the youngest 
child in her lap and the other one by her side, remarking: 
•"Now this is first rate." I took a seat on the box beside the 
driver with our feet resting on the whiffletrees, ready for a 



44 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

trip of 200 miles to our future home iii the territcry of 
Iowa. 

We met a cordial reception, uot only by the Baptist faui 
llioa, but by the settlers generally. We arrived on our field 
Thursday night. May 26, 1842, having been twcuiy-iour 
days on the journey. 

An appointment had been arranged at the Des Moines 
association for a meeting at Iowa City, commencing June 
3, 1842, for the purpose of organizing a territorial mis- 
sionary convention. 

We were furnished by Brother Doolittle with horse and 
wagon, a kind of half-and-half vehicle between a buggy and 
a lumber wagon. We started June 1, and were directed to 
take a trail at the west side of Reuben Riggs' field, which 
would take us to Bergoon's ford, on the Wapsipinicon 
river- — no inhabitants on the route. We missed the trail, 
but, having a correct idea of the direction, v,e did not get 
lost. When in sight of the Wapsy settlement we came up 
to one of the peculiar brooks from three to five feet wide 
and from three to four feet deep, with perpendicular banks 
or sides. We tried to coax the horse to jump, but there 
was no go. He was willing to go back, or in almost any 
direction, rather than to jump the chasm. But we were not 
to be balked in that — twenty miles on our road, on an un- 
inhabitated prairie. So I got Mrs. Brown across and our 
baggage. Then, starting far enough away to get the horse 
on a fast trot, on reaching the bank I gave him a hard blow 
with the whip and over we went, and, of course, the wagon 
followed, while the seat and some other things left in the 
wagon took various directions. But, mind you, the driver 
took the precaution to be on his feet when that run was 
made. We got over and stopped at the first house for din- 
ner. We left an appointment for preaching Tuesday the 
next week, at 1 p. m., on our return, and proceeded on our 
journey, and stopped for the night at Tipton, the county 
seat of Cedar county, where we left an appointment to 
preach on the following Monday evening. There was a log 
court house and a log tavern. The next day, thureday, we 
arrived at Iowa City. There were no railroads then west of 
the state of New York. The weGtem boundary of lands 
open for settlement at this time was about eighteen miles 
west of Iowa City, and the western border counties of Iowa 
were> beginning at the south, Van Buren, Jefferson, Wash- 
ington, Johnson, Linn, Buchanan, and Fayette, and Clayton 
on the' north. It was good to meet the brethern and sisters 
at the meeting from different and distant parts of the ter- 
ritory. The business was csoon and easily attended to, so 



Pioneer Baptists. 45 

that the sessions extending ihiuusli Friday, Saturday, and 
Sunday were mainly for preaching and devotional exercises. 

The settlers very generally and generously turned out, 
with teams and axes, and went live or six miles west to a 
small grove and cut and hauled logs for a house about 
twelve by sixteen or eighteen feet. In a week or two the 
body of the house was up, logs hewed on two sides. 

With rough, loose boards for lower and chamber floors, 
we moved in without doors or windows. 1 had to go to 
Dubuque, forty miles, for stove pipe. But we were happy 
when we were settled in our own house, although without 
furniture except table, stand, stove, rocking and a little 
chair, and a few dishes, all of which we brought with us. • 
Our first bedstead was made of hickory poles. We, for- 
tunately, brought a few carpenter tools along, with which 
we could make such needful articles of furniture. " With 
one of our boxes we made shelves for dishes; with another 
we made a cupboard for books, etc.; with another we made 
a place for the oldest little l)oy to sleep. We, including 
our neighbors, went right to work and put up a log school 
house. This was located a few rods south of our house, 
and before there were any floor, door or windows, we 
started a Sunday school, with Thomas Flathers superin- 
tendent. This was the lirst schoolhouse built either iu 
tendent. This was the lirst school house built either in 
Clinton or Jackson counties, and this was the first Sunday 
school organized in Clinton county. This school house fur- 
nished a place for one of my preaching appointments. 

On the 31st of August, a meeting was held at the house 
of Brother Earl for the purpose of organizing a Baptist 
church. The organization was effected and embraced the 
following members: 

C. M. Doolittle and wife. 

Jacob Pangboru and wife. 

William Y. Earl and wife. 

Levi Decker and wife. 

Elder C. E. Brown and wife. 

Esquire Taylor and wife. 

Mrs. Eliza Mallard. 

Mrs. Mitchell. " ' 

At the meeting in June at Iowa City, arrangements were 
made for a meeting the 16th of the next September at 
Davenport, for the purpose of organizing^ an association, 
embracing all the churches north of the Iowa river. When 
the time came to prepare to go to Davenport, our good 
Brother Doolittle would furnish a horse, but the wagon 
we had for the trip to Iowa City had left the settlement. 
The horse I could ride but that would not fill the bill. All 



46 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

were anxious that M,rs. Brown should go. So I secured the 
loan of the hind wheels and axletree of a Hoosier lumber 
wagon, went to the fence and got poles suitable for thills, 
and with a board on wooden pegs, we were soon ready for 
the forty mile trip. We liad a bundle of oats for a cushion 
and enjoyed the ride across the prairies and through 
groves unmarred by the vandalism of man. The first 
human habitation after leaving our immediate neighbor- 
hood we saw was at Point Pleasant, where we crossed the 
Wapsy river by Kirtley's ferry. A few miles further on 
was Long Grove. Here two or three faniiiies, l)rotIiers, 
lived — Scotchmen, by the name of Brownlee, and here we 
stopped for the night with very kind good people. The 
next day we arrived at Davenport in good season. Although 
road carts were not as common and popular then as now, 
we felt not the slightest embarrassment iu riding along the 
main street of that young city and in driving up in front of 
the residence of Dr. Witherwax. The meetings were held 
in the chamber of a small frame building on Front street. 
The following churches were represented: Bath, now Le 
Clair, organized June, 1839, with six members; Davenport, 
organized September, 1839, with seven members; Dubuque, 
organized August, 1840, with eleven members; Blooming- 
ton, now Muscatine, organized October, 1841, with eleven 
members; Iowa City, organized June, 1841, with eleven 
members; Forks of the Maquoketa, organized August, 
1842, with fourteen members. Also the church at Rock 
Island, 111. Every church north of the Iowa river was 
represented except one on the line between Jones and 
Delaware counties. The following named pastors were 
present: B. Carpenter of Dubuque; W. B. Morey, Iowa 
City; E. Fisher, Muscatine; T. Gillet, Rock Island; C. E. 
Brown, Maquoketa. The pastor of the church not repre- 
sented was Ira Blanchard. The following which we quote 
expresses the spirit of this meeting, which continued 
through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: "This first meeting 
of the Davenport association v.-as one of sweet and precious 
interest. After singing the hymn at the close. From Whence 
Doth This Union Arise, the brethren relunctantly parted to 
their homes and to their work." These were not days of 
railroad coaches and cushioned carriages, but emigrant 
trails, unbridged rivers, creeks and sloughs, old lumber 
wagons, prairie schooners and old dilapidated saddle^;. But 
preclouf- enjoyment in this pioneer missionary life and 
work. How sweet the mem.ory still. 



OHAPTEli III. 
Early Interest in Denominational Education 

A.s alivady stalt*d in the iutroductory chapter, 
white ]HM>ple were tir.st ])ei-]iiitted to cros.s the 
Misis,sip}>i to settle in territory north ot the Mis- 
souri bonuihiry June 1, ISoo. Thirteen mouths 
later eoniires.s attaclied this part of the Louisiana 
pureliase to Micliinau territory for purposes of 
tem}»orary government. 

Settlers were rro\vdin<; ovei- the boi-der all the 
way from Fort ^fadison to l)ubu(iu<', and October 
20, 1834, the Lonji;- ('reek Uaptist church was or- 
ganized with <'leven meuibei-s in a settleuu'ut thir- 
teen miles west of Burlington, wliere the town of 
Danville now stands. The ni'.vt Baptist church 
organized seems to luive been the ]{ock Spring 
ehur«-h about six miles southwest of IJurlingtou 
in 1838 in what had then become NN'isconsin terri- 
tory. The third was ju-obably the IMsgali church 
organize<l eaily in 183J) twelve miles north of Bur- 
lington at that date in the territory of Iowa. So 
that (►f these Jirst three Baptist churches, one was 
organized in Michigan t<'rritory, another in Wis- 
consin territory, and the third in Iowa territory. 

In August 1839 at the regular monthly meeting of the 
Long Creek church, they were met by delegates from the 
Rock Spring and Pisgah churches and the first associa- 

47 



is Iowa Baptist Schools. 

tional orgauization took place. The place of meeting was 
in a groTe about fourteen miles west of Burlington. The 
entire membership of the three churches was less than 
ninety, the number of delegates present, ten. The organiz- 
ation was effected, and the entire business of the meeting 
transacted while nine of these delegates sat in a row on a 
log, and the moderator stood before them, supported by 
the back of a chair.' 

The next orgauization formed from Baptist 
fhurelies iu the territory was the Iowa Baptist 
stale coDveution at Iowa City, June 3 and -I, 181:2. 
It was first called the Baptist General Assoriatiou, 
but at the third anniversary in 1844 the name ^sas 
changed to the Baptist Convention of Iowa, and at 
the fifth, to the Iowa Baptist Convention, and 
again at the tenth anniversary to the present 
form, the Iowa Baptist State Convention. At this 
first orgauization in 1842 eleven churches were 
represented and twenty-four delegates, including 
eight ministers, as follows: 

Iowa City — Elder W. B. Morey, I. M. Choate, J. Brown, 
A. Dennison, J. Parks, and J. Wolf. 

Pisgah — Elders Hezekiah Johnson and J. W. Todd. 

Bloomiiigton (Muscatine) — Elder Ezra Fisher and 
Stephen Headly. 

Long Creek (Danville) — Henry A. Ritner. 

Davenport — John Porter. 

Dubuciue — Elder B. Carpenter and Amos Matthews. 

Rochester (Van Buren county) — Elder M. J. Post and 
M. W. Rudd. 

Virginia Grove (Louisa county) — R. C. Mason. 

Columbus City (Louisa county) — Joseph Downing and 
E. "Whipple. 

Forks of the Maquoketa— Elder Charles E. Brown. 

South Fork of Maquoketa — Elder Ira Blanchard. 

Johnson county — Henry Headley and John N. Headley. 

Parkhurst (Scott county) — Benjamin F. Pike. 

Ohio — William Elliott. 

The next year the meeting was held at Daven- 
rort. The committee on resolutions submitted 
the following: 

^Mitchell's Historical Sketches of Iowa Baptists, p. 23. 



Early Interest in Education. 49 

Shurtleff College at Upper Alton, Illinois, has facilities 
for imparting a sound education. Ten or twelve young 
l)rethren are there studying with a view to the ministry,, 
some of whom are sustained by the churches, others by 
their own labors. The whole annual expense from $80.00 
to $100.00. 

The third auuiversarv wa.s held at Mount Tleas- 
aiit, May 31 aud Jime 1, 1844. The miuutes of this 
meeting show that there were then two asvsoeia- 
tions — the Davenport association having been or- 
ganized at Davenport in 1842 — '11 churches, 13 
ordained ministers, and 657 members in the terri- 
tory. At this convention the following records 
appear regarding denominational education: 

On motion of Elder H. Johnson, a committee consisting 
of Brethren Brown, Ritner, and Johnson were appointed 
to take into consideration the expediency of establishing 
an institution of learning. 

The next day this committee reported the fol- 
loA\'ing, which was adopted : 

Resolved, That the establishment of an institution of 
learning at some eligible point in this territory by the 
Baptist denomination, is a subject of vast importance and 
that it is the duty of this convention to talte immediate 
and vigorous measures toward the consummation of this 
object. Brethren H. Burnett, Mt. Pleasant; H. A. Ritner, 
Hartford; C. Hendrix, Washington; Stephen Headly, 
Bloomington; Dr. H. Brown, Davenport; C. E. Brown, 
Le Claire; J. T. Fales, Dubuque; W. B. Morey, Iowa City; 
G. Hampton, Iowa City; were appointed a committee to 
confer with citizens in this territory and receive proposals 
towards procuring a site for and defraying tlie expense of 
erecting suitable buildings for said institution. 

The convention for 1845 was held at Hlooming- 
tou (Muscatine) where the following action was 
recorded, on rei)ort of the committee: 

Whereas, but little is being done in Iowa for the cause 
of general education; Therefore, Resolved, That this con- 
vention cherish a deep interest in this subject, and feel 
liound as individuals to do all in our power for its pro- 
motion. 



^'0 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Later, the following luuiied brethreu Avere ap- 
pointed a committee to take the preliminary steps 
for eoiumeneing a literary institution adequate to 
the Avants of Iowa territory, viz., Luther Stone, of 
IJurliugton, chairman; J. N. Seeley, H. A. Kitner, 
(;. E. IJrown, K. B. Houghton, AV. Elliott, M. J. 
l*ost, George Hampton, and Dr. 11. BroAvn. 

In 1846 the couveutiou met at Iowa City. Luther 
Stone having left the state. Chairman J. iS'. Seeley 
made a report for the committee presenting the 
A'arious proposals receiA'ed by the committee, re- 
commending that the subject be referred to the 
convention in committee of the whole to discuss 
and decide upon their resi)ective claims. 

After considerable discussion and several ad- 
journed meetings, a committee of lifteen was ap-- 
poiuted to draft a constitution for an Iowa Baptist 
education society to be submitted at the next 
anniversary. \Vhen the convention met at Far- 
mingtoii in A'an IJuren county, June 2, 1847, the 
education society Avas formed and officers 

elected. Tlie minutes of this society state that 

In consideration of the donations and subscriptions of 
the citizens of Agency City, Wapello county, it was on 
motion resolved, that an institution of learning be located 
at Agency City. 

Tliis tirst effort to establish a Haptist school in 
IoA\a did not succeed. Agency City AAas one of the 
I'nst towns htcated on the new purchase 0]>ened 
May 1, lS4o. Among its earliest settlers was 
Lewis F. Tetn]»le. In Ai»ril. 1844 he Avas ehn-ted 
on<' of I he three tivst county coiiimissioners of 
\\'a!)e!lo coimty. In L'>4(> he Avas a delegate to the 
Baptisl stale conveulion from the lioimd Point 
rluiich, and llie next yeai', frOm tlie Agency City 
(linich. Agency City Avas probably selected for 



Early Interest in Education. 51 

the site uf the .school largely through his iufluence, 
but a year later he Avent to Califoruia iu the great 
gold rush of that period, and died of cholera at 
New Orleans on his way home in 1849. 

The general and laudable interest early mani- 
fest among pioneer liaptists in favor of providing 
means for the education of their children, and es- 
pecially of those who should eventually enter the 
ministry, had already degenerated into local 
ambitions for securing the coveted "university," 
and it soon became evident that the introduction 
of these questions tended toward division, and 
depression of the common interest in missionar}^ 
work. 

BURLINGTON COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE. 

tse^eral jear.s elapsed before the subject of edu- 
cation came again under discussion at the annual 
meetings, but at the May convention held at Mus- 
catine, 1851, Kev. T. H. Archibald, who was about 
to leave the state after three years' service at 
Dubuque .aud Davenport, offered the following 
resolution, Avliich Avas adopted : 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to 
correspond with Baptist ecclesiastical bodies of Minnesota, 
Wisconsin, and Illinois, in regard to the establishment of 
a Baptist theological institution for the northwest, and 
report at the next session of this anniversary. 

B. B. Johnson, G. J. Johnson, aud D. 1*. Smith 
were appointed on the committee. The conven- 
tion voted to hold a second session that 3'ear, and 
at tlie couclusiou of its program, adourned to meet 
in Burlington, September 26, folloAving. 

In this latter conAention, seventeen diurrlies 
were represented out of forty-six rei)orted tlint 



52 loioa Baptist Schools. 

year; by scveuteen pastors, and twenty-two laj- 
iiieii ; (hiity-niue altogether, as follows: 

First Ues Moines association; organized 1839. 

Burlington— Rev. G. J. Johnson, Rev. Isaac Leonard, 
Josepli T. Fales, William B. Ewing, Edv/ard Marlow, W. 
R. Hinckly, Tliomas W. Newman, William Clark, Thomas 
Sawtell. 

Charleston — John Holton, J. N. Morris. 

Danville — Rev. William A. Wells, Edwin Cady, J. Alter, 
H. A. Ritner. 

Farmington — Rev. W. H. Turton. 

Keokuk — Rev. H. Worden, Rev. E. Gunn. 

Mount Pleasant — Rev. H. Burnett, W. W. Marker, J. 
Tyner. 

Pisgah — Rev. Thomas J. Penny. K. Turner, N. B. Rhodes. 

Second Des Moines association; organized 1851 (after- 
wards named Oskaloosa association). 

Brighton — Rev. WMlliam Elliott, A. Fisher, S. T. Fisher. 

Fox River — Rev. O. Ormsby. 

Keosauqua — J. Beesecker, O. F. Jones. 

Knoxville — Rev. G. W. Bond. 

Oskaloosa — Rev. John Bond. 

Davenport association; organized 1842. 

Davenport — Rev. B. F. Brabrook. 

Marion — Rev. John Williams, Michael Cramer. 

Muscatine — Rev. S. B. Johnson, George Alexander. 

Cascade — Rev. John Bates. 

Ft. Des Moines — Rev. J. A. Nash. 

Two visituis A\(*re also ])reseut who later be- 
came i>astors in Iowa, namely, Ilevs. A. G. Eber- 
hart and T. S. Griffith. 

Dining the sessions of this convention the coin- 
inittee previously appointed on establishing a 
theological institntion in the northwest made Its 
report. After giving reasons why it seemed im- 
practicable to join with any other state in such an 

enterprise, they conclude their report as follows: 

We would immediately set about the establishment of a 
university to })e strictly under the control of the Baptists 
of Iowa. Pedo-Bai)tists know from the history of other 
states with their flourishing institutions, what is the true 
policy in this matter. The Congregationalists, Presbyteri- 
ans, and Methodists have each a college prospectively in 
this state. Shall a denomination whose regular conimuni- 



Early Interest in Education. 53 

cants iiiimber more than any other in the Union consent 
that others may do the work of educating the youth of this 
state? Or shall we do our share in this great work? 

Believing, as Ave do, that it would be inexpedient to unite 
with any other state in our educational operations, we 
recommend to the convention the adoption of the following: 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed whose 
duty it shall be to make investigations, solicit proposals, 
etc., with reference to the immediate establishment of a 
denominational university in this state, and that this com- 
mittee be authorized to call an educational convention at 
such time and place as they may deem expedient, when the 
whole subject can be considered in detail. Respectfully 
submitted, S. B. Johnson, chairman. 

The report, after remarks sustaining it bv 
Brethren G. J. Johnson, Nash, Brabrook, Griffith, 
and Burnett, was unanimously adopted. A com- 
mittee of live was then appointed in accordance 
Avith the recommendations of the report, after 
which, on nomination of the chairman of the com- 
mittee, the president of the convention was added 
to the committee as its chairman, making the com- 
mittee to consist of the following six : Brethren 
J. T. Fales, B. F. Brabrook, S. B. Johnson, J. A. 
Nash, G. J. Johnson, and John Williams. 

This committee took the matter up, and called 
an educational convention, which met at Iowa 
City, April 13-14, 1852. The convention was at- 
tended by delegates from Ft. Des Moines, L)a>eu- 
port, Brighton, Muscatine, Knoxville, Pella, iiur- 
lington, Le Claire, Iowa City, Marion, Coluitibus 
Cit}^ Wapello, and from St. Louis, Mo., under an 
invitati«m of visiting friends, to a seat in tlie con- 
vention. 

The i>roceediugs of this convention leading to 
the founding of Burliugton University are given 
elsowlit'Vc in (lir liisvorr of (hat school. 



54 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

LOCATION OF CENTRAL UNIVliRSlTl'. 

Tlie Ceutral Uiiiveisitj ol' Iowa, like Burliugton 
Uuiverwitj, had it« origin witliiu the pioueer period 
of the histoiy of the state, aud of the deuojuiua- 
tioii; both of them iu the year i^'>'2, before the 
state was six years old, aud but uiueleeu years 
after the first ludiau title had been extiuguished 
aloug our eastern borders perniirting white settle- 
ments any where upon the soil of our state. 

The Iowa Baptist state eou\eution held its ses- 
sion that year, September 24-26, at Marion, Linn 
county. It was the eleventh auniuU gj'thering of 
that body, but a perusal of its proceedings pub- 
lished in the minutes shows clearly ihe piom3er 
character of both the state and deiK»i;iiuatiou at 
that date. Eighteen churches Avere represented 
by thirty-live delegates, seventeen pastors and 
eighteen laymen, of whom one pastor, Rev. John 
i\ Ward, and four laymen, Deacon K. Ives, \V. 
Vingau, N. C. Gageby, and E. C Whipple, were 
from the Marion church. 

The Des Moines association, organized in 1839, 
was represented b}^ delegates from five churches, 
namely, H. A. Ritner, 8r., and H. A. Ritner, Jr., 
Danville: Rev. Elihu Gunn and A. \Y. I'utnani, 
Keokuk; Rev. Obed Si)erry, Pisgali; Rev. G. J. 
Johnson, Burlington ; and Rev. E, (). Towne, 
Isaac .Vycnes and B. Swan, Mt. Zion. 

The ^a^■eu])ort association, organized in 1842, 
was represented 1>y J. A. Telfair, First churcli, 
Davenport; Revs. I>. l-MJrabrook, and E.M. Miles, 
and Di-. J. M. Witlierwax, Second rhurch, Daven- 
port; Rev. George Scott, ^laquoketa; Rev. J. Cur- 
rier, LnAfotte; J. P. Shirley, Hickory Grove; and 



Early Interest in Education. 55 

Revs. Dexter l\ {Smith, and A. R. Belden, Dr. E. 
Metcalf, aud Joliu Higgius, Iowa City; and Rev. 
John Bates, Cascade. 

The Oslvaloosa association, organized in 1851, 
was represented by Rev. John Bond, Nelson 
Davis, and A. J. Morrow, Oslcaloosa; Rev. Ueorge 
W. Bond, Kuoxville; Rev. A. N. Atwood, and M. 
C. Vanlandiughain, Middle Creek; and Rev. 1. C. 
Cuilis, and Dea. A. Foulk, Aurora. This Aurora 
cliurch A\as dropped from the minutes a year 
or two later, the Bella church taking its place. 
Also Rev. J. A. Nash, Ft. Des Moines. 

The associalioual tables report the names of 
thirty ministers and fifty churches, with a total 
membership of 1,878. 

Tile report of the executive board published in 
the minutes, contains many items of liistorical in- 
terest. iSpace may be given for the following par- 
agraphs illustrating the pioneer conditions then 

existing: 

The past year has Ijeeii one of unusual healthfulness. 
That fearful epidemic and scourge, the cholera, which two 
years and also three years since prevailed so fearfully 
among us, not only in our larger towns and commercial 
points, but also in several instances in sparse neighbor- 
hoods and agricultural districts, removing many of the 
loved ones in our families and promising ones in our 
churches, from the watchman upon the walls to the citizen 
within the gates, during the year now closing has rarely 
been permitted to find a victim in our ranks. 

So far as we have been able to gather there have been 
baptized 17S, making our net increase the past year 252. 

Three years ago our convention numbered only about 
one thousand members in the churches composing it. Since 
then over one thousand have Ijeen added, making our gen- 
eral summary for the present year 2,032. 

We have no agents for collecting, no funds for appropria- 
tion })y our 1)oard, no missionaries under our appointment, 
and no churches looking to us for support. This work in 
our state is done liy the Home Mission society. Our part 
is simply to give to the society as we may l)e able. 



56 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

At the last anniversary it was resolved to raise the com- 
ing year it' possil^le $1,000 for the society. The whole sum 
and over has since that time been pledged, and about $500 
paid as shown )jy the report of the treasurer at this date, 
a result, under the circumstances, of which we are not 
ashamed. 

It is to be remembered that with very few exceptions 
our churches are all yet so feeble as to be necessarily de- 
pendent upon the Home Mission society for help, and that 
most are either without houses of worship, or in the hard 
struggles of erecting them, or liquidating debts upon them, 
which, together with what they are doing toward maintain- 
ing the ministry, supporting the Sabbath school, and meet- 
ing the incidental expenses of pu))lic worship, are making 
unusually large drafts upon a people as a general thing 
poor at first, and made poorer by the initiatory taxes of a 
settlement in a new country. 

The Home Mission society has supported in our state 
the past year in part or entirely eighteen different mis- 
sionaries, and one exploring agent and general itinerant. 

Emigration though for several years continued and rapid 
has not as yet spread itself to any considerable degree over 
less than half the state, and yet already we have a popula- 
tion numbering but little less than 250,000. In our state, as 
our last census shows, are about 3 3,000 dwellings, 15,000 
farms under cultivation, and 500 manufacturing establish- 
ments. In twelve years our population has increased from 
43.111 to 240.000. 

Tlie usual eouunittees were appoiiited uu home 
missiou.s, -foreign mis.sious, Bible cause, aud Sab- 
bath schools; all making reports which Avere dis- 
cussed aud acted upou. 

The educational committee appointed the pre- 
vious year on location of Baptist school, made 
its report of the establishment of the school at 
Burlington. The report Avas referred to a com- 
mittee consisting of Brethern Belden, Towue, 
Curtis, and ]Miles. This committee later brought 
in the following report : 

After due consideration of the proceedings of the com- 
mittee of five appointed at the last session of the Baptist 
state convention of Iowa, and of the educational meeting 
held in Iowa City in April last, your committee would 
recommend the passage of the following resolution: 



Early Interest in Education. 57 

Resolved, That this convention can not sanction the pro- 
ceedings of the educational meeting held in Iowa City in 
April last in locating an institution of learning. Report 
accepted and adopted. 

Dni'iiii; the sessions of tlie convention, or after 

its adjournment, some brethren united in calling 

an educational meeting, at which fourteen of the 

tliirty-tive <1(^leiiates wcn'e present. As a result of 

this latter pitherinji', the following call was 

issued for another educational convention : 

To the Baptist church in , 

Dear Brethren — You are requested to appoint at least three 
delegates and not more than five, with your pastor, to meet 
delegates of all other Baptist churches in the state of Iowa, 
in a convention to lie held at Oskaloosa, Mahaska county, 
Iowa, on Wednesday, the 10th day of November, 1852, to 
take into consideration the propriety and expediency of 
locating a college to be owned by, and subject to the con- 
trol of the Baptist denomination of the state. Proposals 
of great value and importance will l^e made to the conven- 
tion, and it is expected that a location will lie selected be- 
fore the adjournment of the meeting. 

The following names were appended to tlu^ call : 

E. O. Towne, j! C. Ward, G. W. Bond, H. Burnett, A. N. 

Atwood. A. Foulk, E. M. Miles, J. Currier, I. C. Curtis, E. 

Metcalf, .Tohn Bates, O. Sperry, .John Bond, H. Ritner, G. S. 

Hampton, S. Ayers, B. Swan. F. A. Barker. 

Tn the minutes of the Iowa Tity conventiim, 
given on subsequent i)age, it was stated that the 
vote of that body on location was unanimous, but 
this latei' call contains the names of two of the 
memlters of the former convention. 

The convention met at Oskaloosa on the day named and 
was attended by delegates from Des Moines, Washington, 
Keokuk, Mahaska, Marion, .Jefferson, and Van Buren coun- 
ties. However, in view of the inclemency of the weather 
and therefore sparse attendance, a resolution for adjourn- 
ment was passed to meet at Bella on the first Thursday of 
June, following. They also invited every Baptist church 
In the state to send delegates to tlie adjourned convention. 

There were present at this Oskaloosa meeting, 
H. A. Ritner and E. Cady, Danville; A. Fisher, 
Brighton; J. Waldriss, Steady Run; J. Bond and 



^8 loica Baptist Schools. 

N. Davis, O.skaloosa; G. W. J>uud, J. Jones, (i. 
Jones, and William Jones, Knoxville; I, C 
Cnri'iH, F. A. Barker, A Foulk, B. F. Millen, and 
J. Millen, near Pella; A. N. Atwood, T. Corner, 
]M. I*. Crowder, and J. Jeffrey, Middle Creek, near 
Oskaloosa; P. Ooff, Libertyvi'lle, and F. O. Towne, 
Bonaparte. 

The adjonrned convention met in Pella, June 
2, 1853, and at the second day's session voted to 
locate tlie school at that place, by the adoption of 
the following' resolution: 

Resolved, That this convention accept the proposed dona- 
tion of the citizens of Pella and vicinity and hereby locate 
our denominational institution at said place. 

The delegates were 1. C. Curtis, J. ^Miller, S. S. 
Manornm, M. Reynolds, E. O. Towne, from in and 
near Pella; IT. A. Bitner, Danville; William 
Elliot!, Brigliton; P. Goff, Libertyville; M. 
Stonei', and D. J. Gnthridge, Oskaloosa; and W. 
IT. Tnrton, Farmington. 

From a comparison of these lists it will be seen 
that but seven of the sixteen Avho signed the call at- 
tended the Oskaloosa meeting, and but three of 
them were at the later meeting at Pella; while 
bnf four of the twenty-one ]U'esent at Oskaloosa 
in November returned foi' the June meeting at 
which the location was finally made. 

The next session of the state convent i<m was 
held at Keokuk, October 21, 1858. The sulnect of 
education was again brought up, this time l)y the 
friends of Burlington. The record is as follows: 

The convention listened to the reading of a memorial of 
the trustees of the Burlington university in behalf of that 
institution. The memorial was referred to a committee 
consisting of Brethren Miles, Blood, and Hornish. The 
committee submitted a report. The following resolution 



Earl// Iiifcrcsl in Education. 5*J 

was offered by Brother Wilber as a substitute for the report 
of the committee: 

Resolved, That the resolution in the minutes of last year, 
as follows: Resolved, That this convention can not sanction 
the i)roceedings of the educational meeting held at Iowa 
City in locating an institution of learning, be rescinded. 

The resolution was adopted. The yeas and nays being 
called for by Brother Sperry, they were announced as fol- 
lows: Yeas — .John Penny, W. B. Rhodes, J. Livermore, 
H. R. Wilber, J. B. .lobes, J. Bailiss, H. Srout, J. Tyner, 
N. Blackington, J. F. Johnson, T. Slade, J. A. Martin, W. 
Parker, T. W. Newman, J. Often, A. G. Bassett, S. >E'. 
Taylor, B. Stahl, .J. A. Nash, H. Burnett, S. M. White, R. 
Cole, R. Stockton, E. Cady, W. Matthews. H. N. Kendall. 
Isaac Leonard, J. Warren, J. S. David, R. Storer, G. J. 
.Johnson, E. W\ Bwing, R. Chalfant; total, 33. Nays— E. 
M. Miles, C. G. Blood, E. Bookenoogen, P. Goff. W. H. Tur- 
ton, D. Jewett, H. A. Ritner, J. Philpot, E. O. Towne, E. 
Gnnn, O. Sperry; total, 11. 

Any study of Iowa l>;iptist liistoiy reveals the 
eoiistant reeiiiTence to tlie flisoiission of its educa- 
tional problems. The misfortune has been that 
snob discussion has been focnssed on the merits 
or claims of our denominational schools, rather 
than on the need and value of the education itself 
to the denomination. Nearly all of our denomina- 
tional ori>anizations are foi' missionary purposes 
purely, and the introduction of divisive topics, 
iiowever im]>ortant, tends to de]U'ess and hinder 
their pro]»er woi-k. This fact has frequent 
illustration in our Iowa history. 

In 185fi, when the state convention was held 
with the church in Fremont, Mahaska county, 
Rev. J. (\ Burroughs, president of the T"rniversity 
of Ohicaji'o, visited the convention as corresjmnd- 
ini>- delegate from the Illinois General associa- 
tion. He was asked to sjive an account of rhf 
orig'in and present condition of that university, 
at the close of which: 



(>0 loini I id pi i. si i<ch(joh;. 

Brother Brenton Hughes offered a set of resolutions 
having reference to the educational interests of the state. 
After several substitutes had been offered and rejected or 
withdrawn, the following, offered by Brother Gunn, was 
adopted: 

Resolved, That while the action of a large number of 
associations in this state has been such as to indicate suffi- 
ciently that a large majority of the Baptists of Iowa are 
disposed to support the institution located at Bella, yet in 
view of the paramount importance of our domestic mission 
work, we do not think it on the whole l)est to take any 
further action in this body on the subject. 

brother IJroiUon ITnolies of Brookeville, was 
|H'ol)ably a friond of rentral College and sought 
bv liis resolution to secure an endorsement of 
thai school. This was the first time since the ad- 
verse vote at Keoknk, three years before, that the 
convention liad come into Pella territory, Fre- 
mont being a little town near Oskaloosa. T^ev. 
F^lihii Onnn, who had been pastor at Keoknk 
since October, 1S59, was secretary of the conven- 
tion that year. He doubtless wrote the resoln- 
fi<m t<» prevent contention, and keep the snbject 
ont of the c<m vent ion for the future. A year later 
he became ju'esident of Central College. The 
resolution served its purpose well. 

As the resolution offered by Secretary Gunn 

has been the subject of considerable discussion in 

later years, the following account written by Kev. 

TT. T^. Wilber, of Mt. Pleasant, and published in 

the Christian Time.e!, October 22, 1850, mnv have 

interest : 

An unfortunate division of interest has existed for a few 
years past in reference to educational interests. Two 
schools have been originated, one at Burlington on the 
river, another at Pella, a flourishing inland town. The 
friends of each have naturally regarded theirs as the 
institution about which the Baptists of Iowa ought to rally. 
Many fears have been excited among the friends of domes- 



Early Inltrv-st in Eduvutloii. 61 

tic missions in this state, lest the apple of discord in the 
shape of this "vexed question" should be introduced into 
the convention, and at the very commencement of its ap- 
propriate and most noble work, the minds of brethren 
should be embittered and alienated. On Monday morning 
this subject was brought forward in the form of a resolu- 
tion, recommending but one of the schools, that at Pella. 
to the favorable notice of the convention. For this resolu- 
tion a substitute was offered, by Rev. E. M. Miles of 
Davenport, recommending both institutions. Without pans 
ing to account for the action, we will simply say that the 
subject was not carried. Various substitutes and amend- 
ments were offered by different brethren not identified with 
either interest, but before action was taken, a resolution 
, was introduced by Brother Gunn, which calling for some 
concessions on either side, and ruling the contested subject 
out of the convention, was favorably received and, by a 
large majority carried. Thus is this bone of contention at 
length removed, and whatever of private feeling and prefer- 
ence may remain, we may rejoice in the prospect of united 
counsel and effort hereafter in our enterprise of domestic 
missions. 

At the annual nieetiu*>- of the Biirlini>ton board 
held June 26, 1860, Key." T. S. Griftith offered the 
followino" resolution, which Ava« ado])ted : 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by this 
hoard to whom shall be referred the consideration of the 
educational interests of the Baptist denomination of this 
Btate and any propositions that may be submitted for the 
reconciliation of the divided feelings and various interest.s 
of education among us, aiming to effect the union and 
concentrate the entire efforts of Iowa Baptists in their 
educational movements. 

Rev, T. S. Griffith, J. K. Hornish, Esq., Rev. G. J. John- 
son, Rev. S. H. Worcester, Rev. C. H. Remington were ap- 
pointed the committee required by the above resolution. 

The Standard of July 4th says in an editorial 
report of the meetinu : 

The board at Burlington has appointed a committee to 
have under advisement the subject of a combination of 
Baptist strength in Iowa for the promotion of collegiate 
education. The committee is made up of members of the 
hoard, with some who are not members, judicious brethren, 
who wd trust will be able to devise some scheme whereb; 



i>^ loa-a Baptist ^<i■hooJ>l. 

the denomination may he brought together, as a unit, in 
this important work. 

This committee seems to have been appoiut(.'.'T 
on the ]»asis of some reasonable hope that '1 plan 
eonld l)e mutually a(>^reed upon for securing unity 
of art ion in our educational work, Tn the follov,- 
ino- Afarch representative men both of Kuril ngt on 
and I'clla aiireed mutually to abandon those 
places and unite in purchasing? Oskaloosa college 
and concentrate there; and the compact failed be- 
cause the ]n-o]ierty could not be secured. 

At tli«» annual meeting' of the Burlino'ton board 

Chairman Griffith reported the failure of the 

cfToi-t 1)eo'iin the previous year. 

Again in 1864 a call was sent from Pella for a meeting, 
'to consider whether it will be for the denominational inter- 
ests to vigorously take hold of our educational matters In 
Pella, or give up and get out of the way of the denomina- 
tion uniting on some other point.' ^ 

.Vt <he convention held in 18fi.5 at Rurlinp,ton, 

the followinp: was adopted : 

Resolved, That we rejoice over and commend the interest 
felt by the Baptists of Iowa in the work of denominational 
and ministerial education, and that we hope this interest 
will be deepened, and a still larger benevolence and enter- 
prise exercised In this direction. 

Tn l.'^f)?, the convention met with the Re^ond 

"Raplist church of Pella, Vice-president L. W. 

TTayliurst and Secretary J. A, Nash of the Des 

^Toines Tollei^e board had been authorized, if they 

deemed it expedient, to ]>resent a memorial to 

the convention rej^ardin?; that school. Thc<^e 

brethren requested that a committee be appointed 

to confer with them as to the advisabilitv of their 

mnkin,']f a brief report to the convention, brethren 

Darbv, Eaton, C. Traven, Wilson, and TTolme^. 

'Rev. J. A. Nash, in Standard Oct. 25, 1874. 



Early Inicrcsl in IJdnaifion. i-:j 

were appointed siuli coinniittoe. This eoiuiuittee 
reported the following resolutions which were 
adopted without dissent : 

Resolved, That this convention cordially endorse the 
University of Des Moines as one of the denominational in- 
stitntions of the state, and commend it to the Baptists of 
Iowa as worthy of their confidence and support. 

Resolved, That the effort about to be made to secure for 
It an endowment of $20,000 meets our entire approbation. 

This hearty endorsement by the state conven- 
tion at the home of Central University indicated 
the existence of friendly S(^ntiment toward the 
new school throughout the state, and j^articularly 
among the special friends of Pella and Burling- 
ton, both of which were well represented in the 
convention. This was the first official action of 
the denomination regarding Des ^Nfoines rollege. 

The Iowa Baptist union for ministerial educa- 
tion was organized at this meeting, taking tlie 
place of earlier h)cal organizations of similar 
character. 

At the Marshalltown convention of 18(>S, the 
following record was made: 

By the courtesy of the convention, Brethren Westover 
and Hayhurst were invited to speak in relation to the Des 
Moines University. 

The following resolution was unanimously 

adopted : 

Resolved. That we as a denomination do earnestly unite 
In paying off the indebtedness of our educational institution 
at Des Moines. 

The later history of the denomination in rela- 
tion to its schools is given in subsequent chapters. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Burlington Collegiate Institute 

At a ine<4ing of the state conventioii in May, 
1851, in Muscatine, it was resolved: 

That a committee of three be appointed to correspond 
with the Baptist ecclesiastical bodies of Minnesota, Wis- 
consin, and Illinois, in regard to the establishment of a 
Baptist Theological Institution for the northwest, and 
report at the next session of this anniversary. 

Tlie committee named was as follows : Rev. S. 
B. Johnson, ^Inscatine; Rev. G. J. Johnson, Bur- 
lington ; and Rev. I). P. Smitli, Iowa (Mty. 

The convention held a second session in Bur- 

linuton the ensuing September of the same year, 

at which tlie committee made a lengthy report, 

at the close of which they say: 

Believing as we do that it would be Inexpedient to unite 
with any other state in our educational operations, we 
recommend to the convention the adoption of the following 
resolution: 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed whose 
duty it shall be to make investigations, solicit proposals, 
etc., with reference to the immediate location of a denomi- 
national university in the state, and that this committee be 
authorized to call an educational convention at such time 
and place as they deem expedient, when the whole subject 
can be considered in detail. 

Tlie report, after remarks sustaining it, by 
Brethren G. J. Johnson, Nash, Griffith, and Bur- 

64 



Burlington Collegiate Institute. 65 

nett was unaniiiioiisly adopted. President Fales 
named B, F. Brabrook, S. B. Johnson, J. A. Nash, 
(i. J. Jolmson, and John Williams to serve on the 
('ommitt(H^ after which on nomination of jMr, Bra- 
brook the president of the convention was added 
to the committee as its chairman. 

This committee issned in the followino; January 
a call directed 

To all interested in the establishment of an institution 
of learning in Iowa nnder the auspices of the Baptist 
denomination. 

After quotino' the antlioi-ity and commission 

delegated to them by the state convention tliey 

say : 

We are confirmed in the conviction that we need a 
denominational school in this state. The sons generally of 
Baptist parents and many of the younger members of our 
churches are growing up without the advantages of a lib- 
eral educatiorf. Our fathers in the field and all those upon 
whom now rests the responsibility of the church will soon 
be gone. We need a generation to succeed them equally, 
and more so, if possible, enlightened and qualified to do 
the work of the ministry, the deaconship and the laity. In 
order to do this, it is necessary that, while we seek for the 
conversion of our young men, that we also provide for 
their education. Several other denominations in our state 
are moving bravely forward in this work, and shall we 
consent that the multiplying youth of our denomination 
shall go uneducated, or even be left to seek elsewhere what 
ought to be found at home? Nothing less than a school of 
our own with a collegiate charter and privileges will meet 
our wants. 

We believe that our denomination ought to immediately 
establish such a school. Not only do the facts that we 
need it and can do it make it our duty, but our obligations 
to the general cause of education, to the cause of religion, 
to the cause of denominational truth, and especially the 
cause of ministerial education, demand it at our hands. 

We have satisfactory reasons to believe that, if we now 
had a school in progress in Iowa, ten young men at least 
could be immediately gathered in this state who would 
gladly enter upon a course of study preparatory to the 
work of the sacred ministry. A few of these brethren may 
be induced to go abroad and prepare, but most could not. 



^^ louxi Baptist Schools. 

Their pecuniary inal)ility, generally, to bear the expense, 
their unacquaintance often with men and things beyond 
their own state, and not infrequently their exceeding defi- 
ciency in the first rudiments of an education would effec- 
tually embarrass their doing this. 

The committee are unanimous in calling a mass educa- 
tional convention of the Baptist denomination and friends 
in the state of Iowa, to be held on the 13th and 14th days 
of April, 1852, at Iowa City; the opening sermon to be 
preached on Tuesday the 13th at 7 o'clock, p. m., by the 
Rev. .J. A. Nash, of Fort Des Moines, or his alternate, Rev. 
John Bates, of Cascade; and the following days, Wednes- 
day, the 14th, to be devoted to the special consideration of 
this subject, in its detail. 

Be sure and come to the convention and bring a large 
delegation along with you from the church and community 
where you live. But little time now remains before we 
must assemble to decide upon this matter, and to com- 
mence operations if anything is done the present year. 

May the Lord crown this great and good enterprise with 
success, is the prayer of your fellow servants in truth and 
good works, 

J. T. Fales, B. F. Brabrook, S. B. .Johnson, J. A. Nash. 
G. .T. .Johnson, John Williams, college committee of the 
Iowa Baptist state convention. 

Tho ((Hiventioji was held at Iowa (Mty, April 
13 and 14, 1851?. Without railroads, Avitli strt^anis 
and sloniih.s iniln-idiicd, followinii a violent storm 
of rain and snow, and \\ ith foarfnl I'oads. yet 
representative men from ditTerent ]>arts of the state 
were ])resent, the leading- chnrches, (»s]'>ecially, be- 
inii,' (piitc^ generally represented. 

As this eonvention was held at so early a date 
in onr history, and the spirit manifested was so 
eharaeteristic of early Iowa Raptist sentiment, it 
seems AAorth while to insert the I'ecords of the 
meet in a; in full. 



IMINT'TICS OF TTIE EDUCATION.AL CONVENTION. 

Towa City, Iowa, Tuesday, April 13, 1852. 
In pursuance to a call of a committee of six brethren ap- 
pointed at the last session of the Iowa Baptist state con- 



Burlington Collegiate Institute. 67 

vention, an educational convention assembled in the hous* 
of worship of the Baptist church, at 7:30 o'clock, p. m., to 
consider the subject of ministerial education, and if thought 
proper, to proceed to the establishment of a denominational 
university. 

An exceedingly appropriate introductory sermon was 
preached by Rev. J. A. Nash, founded upon Matthew 5:14. 
"Ye are the light of the world." At the close of the sermon 
the convention organized for the evening, by the appoint- 
ment of Brother Nash, chairman, and G. J. .Johnson, secre- 
tary. The following committees were then appointed, to 
report at the opening of the morning session: 

On nomination of permanent officers for the convention, 
Brethren John Williams, Obed Sperry, and S. B. .Johnson. 

On resolutions expressive of the sense of the convention. 
Brethren B. F. Bral)rook, G. .J. .Johnson, and William A. 
Wells. 

On propositions for the location of the university, Breth- 
ren Elihu Gunn and D. P. Smith. 

Prayer was offered by Rev. A. R. Belden, and after a 
voluntary from the choir, the convention adjourned, to 
meet again in the morning, for a season of prayer, at 8:30 
o'clock, and for business at 9. 

Wednesday, April 14. 

Assembled agreeably to adjournment, at 8:30 o'clock, a. 
m., for prayer meeting, and at 9 o'clock for business; 
prayer was offered by Rev. E. D. Brown. 

The names of delegates being called for, the following 
were enrolled: J. A. Nash, Ft. Des Moines; B. F. Brabrook, 
Davenport; William Elliott, Brighton; S. B. .Johnson, Mus- 
catine; G. W. Bond, Knoxville; A. E. Dudok Bousquet, 
Pella; J. T. Fales, Burlington; William A. Wells, Musca- 
tine; William J. Parkhurst, Le Claire; A. R. Belden, Iowa 
City; John Williams, Marion; G. J. Johnson, Burlington; 
William Crowell, St. Louis; G. S. Hampton, Iowa City; E. 
D. Brower, St. Louis; William B. Morey, Columbus City; 
Obed Sperry, Wapello; D. P. Smith, Iowa City; J. Bronson, 
Wapello. 

On motion of S. B. Johnson visiting friends and citizens 
of the place were invited to a seat in the convention. 

The committee on nomination, through Brother Williams, 
reported the following officers: Rev. William Crowell, pres- 
ident; Rev. J. A. Nash, vice president, and Rev. G. J. John- 
son, secretary. 

The report was accepted, and the nomination adopted; 
whereupon Brother Crowell took the chair, and made a few 
appropriate remarks. 

Brother G. J. Johnson presented the following, in behalf 
of the committee on resolutions: 



68 Jovxi Baptist Schools. 

Whereas, We regard an educated ministry as inseparably 
connected with the more speedy and universal extension of 
the kingdom of Christ; education in general as most highly 
conducive to the interests of men. next to evangelical reli- 
gion; and that to the Baptist denomination above all oth- 
ers, the education of the people is indispensably necessary, 
and. 

Whereas, We believe that an institution of learning of 
the highest order, under the control of this denomination, 
is especially needed in this state, and that under God, we 
are fully competent to esta])lish such an institution; there- 
fore, 

Resolved, That it is the deep and settled conviction of 
the Baptists of Iowa, that the time has now come when 
an institution of liberal and sacred learning, under the 
control of the Baptist denomination, should be established 
in this state. Also, 

Resolved, That we will proceed immediatelj^ to this 
work, and untiringly, laboriously, and self-denyingly, if 
need be, persevere in it, until, by the blessing of the Lord. 
it shall be accomplished. And, linally. 

Resolved, That in all questions that may arise in regard 
to the location and character of this institution, a full and 
free opportunity shall be given for the expression and inter- 
change of opinion, after which, however, the decision of 
the ma.1ority, fairly expressed, shall always be considered 
unanimous, and that we will thenceforth faithfully and 
heartily co-operate to carry out every such decision. 

The report was accepted, and on motion of Rev. S. B. 
.Tohnson, accompanied with remarks by Brethren Brabrook, 
Nash. Sperry. Bousquet, Brower, Williams. Gunn, Hampton, 
G. J. Johnson, Parkhnrst, and Crowell. 

The preambles and resolutions were separately and una7i- 
imously adopted. 

The committee on propositions for location, next re- 
ported, through Brother Gunn, propositions for the location 
of the university from Ft. Des Moines. Bella. Mt. Pleasant. 
New London, Burlington, Wapello, Davenport, and L*» 
Claire. 

The report was accepted, and after prayer by Rev. Mr. 
Hazard, president of Des Moines College, the convention ad- 
journed to meet at 1:30 o'clock, p. m. 

Met pursuant to adjournment; prayer was offered by 
Rev. J. A. Nash. The report of the committee on proposi- 
tions was again taken up and discussed at much length by 
different brethren. On motion of Rev. .T. A. Nash, after an 
extended, free, and full interchange of opinion, it was 
unanimously 



BurUngtoii Collegiate Institute. 69 

Resolved. That the contemplated university be located at 
Burlington. 

On suggestion of Rev. Brother Brabrook, the president 
of the convention, led in a prayer of thanksgiving to Al- 
mighty God for the happy and harmonious conclusions to 
which the convention had been brought in its deliberations. 

On motion of the secretary, the two following committees 
were appointed: 

A committee to present a draft of articles of incorpora- 
tion, and a constitution for the government of the univer- 
sity. Brethren G. J. .Johnson, J. A. Nash, G. S. Hampton, 
E. Gunn, and .John Williams. 

A committee to nominate a hoard of trustees and their 
officers, for the first year, Brethren D. P. Smith, S. B. .John- 
son, B. F. Brabrook, William A. Wells, and J. T. Fales. 

Prayer was offered by Rev. B. F. Brabrook, after which 
adjourned to meet again in the evening at 7:30 o'clock. 

Assembled according to ad.iournment. Prayer was of- 
fered by Rev. A. R. Belden. The committee appointed to 
present articles of incorporation and constitution, etc., re- 
ported through their chairman, as appended on subsequent 
page. 

The I'eport was accepted, and recommended to the in- 
corporators of the university for adoption. 

The committee on nomination of board of trustees and 
officers, for the first year, etc., reported through their 
chairman, as also appended on subsequent page. The report 
v.'as accepted, and the nomination recommended to the in- 
corporators for adoption. On motion of Rev. B. F. Bra- 
brook, 

Resolved, That this convention entertains a high and 
grateful appreciation of the enlightened lil)erality and 
enterprise of those several places that have presented 
propositions to this convention for the location of our 
proposed university. 

The minutes of the proceedings of the convention were 
read and approved, and the secretary was instructed to 
publish and distribute the same, together with a catalogue 
of the board of trustees, the articles of incorporation and 
the constitution. 

William Crowell, president. 
J. A. Nash, vice president. 
G. .1. Johnson, secretary. 

Tlio lo:i<lin<i' ai'ticles of inoorporatioii ni'o ns fol- 
lows.: 

Article I. Incorporators — J. T. Pales, D. P. Smith, B. F. 
Brabrook, William Crowell, S. B. .Johnson, E. Gunn, G. J. 
Johnson, J. A. Nash, William A. Wells, William J. Park- 



loica Baptist Schools. 



hurst, A. R. Belden, and John Williams, do hereby asso- 
ciate themselves for the purpose of establishing the follow- 
ing named institution, in common with all others who may 
become interested, in accordance with these articles of in- 
corporation formed and adopted under and in pursuance of 
the 43d and 44th chapters of the code of Iowa. 

Art. II. Name and object. The name and style of this 
incorporation shall be the "Burlington University," and 
its object shall be the establishment, holding and govern- 
ment of a literary and theological institution in Burling- 
ton, Iowa, under the particular auspices of the Baptist 
denomination, yet offering equal advantages to all students 
having the requisite literary and moral qualifications, irre- 
spective of denomination or religious profession. 

Art. IV. Board of trustees. The government of the 
university shall at all times be vested in a board of trustees, 
which shall consist of twenty-four members; one-third of 
whom and not more than one-half shall be ministers of the 
Baptist denomination in good standing and full fellowship; 
and three-fourths, at least, members of Baptist chiirches 
in good standing and full fellowship. 

Art. VI. Election of trustees. The following persons 
shall be trustees of the first class: B. F. Brabrook, H. W. 
Starr, Richard F. Barret, Edwin Cady, G. J. Johnson, John 
Bates, A. L. Brown, and William A. Wells. Of the second 
class, S. B. Johnson, J. A. Nash, William B. Ewing, J. S. 
David, William Elliott, John Williams, H. N. Kendall, and 
J. K. Hornish. Of the third class. Dexter P. Smith, J. T. 
Fales, Isaac Leonard, Lyman Cook, Elihu Gunn, T. W. 
Newman, William McKay, and J. M. Witherwax. 

Art. IX. Amendments. The board of trustees shall 
have power at any regular meeting to amend these articles, 
provided due notice shall have been previously given to all 
the members, of the proposed amendment, and it shall pass 
by an affirmative vote of not less than twelve; except that 
part of article II, w^hich defines the ol)ject of this Incorpo- 
ration, and that part of article IV, which requires three- 
fourths of the members of the l)oard to be members of 
Baptist churches, etc., which parts shall be unalterable. 

An address was at ouce issiK^T to the frionds of 

education in Iowa and elsewhere, from Avhioh a 

feAv sentences are copied : 

A building must be erected, a library and philosophical 
apparatus must be secured, before the institution can be 
put in successful operation. Money is needed and must be 
had. We wish to have the building begun the coming 
autumn, and to open it for the reception of students in the 
autumn succeeding. 



Burlington CoUvglate Institute. Tl 

December 0, 1S52, aiKjther address was issued in 
which it is stated : 

A location has been secured in tlie largest, wealthieat 
and one of the most beautiful and enterprising towns of 
Iowa. Its trustees had come into certain possession of an 
invaluable property, provided only we should improve it. 
consisting of about six acres of town lots, most eligibly 
situated on an eminence in the central i)art of the corpora- 
tion overlooking the city and commanding a pleasant 
view of the Mississippi river in front, and the wide prairies 
of the country l)eyond. This property was considered then 
worth at least $5,000, and all believed that in the course 
of a few years it must become worth many fold that 
amount. 

The only real em1)arrassraent that has from the first 
darkened our ])rosiiect has been our poverty. This we 
deeply felt at the commencement. There was but one 
Baptist church in the state that supported its ministry all 
the time without help. We had lieen trying for nearly a 
whole year to raise $1,000 for the Home Mission society to 
be expended on the feel)le churches of our state, and as yet 
had not raised the half of it. 

Our board has unanimously resolved to go forward and 
build a tasteful edifice of brick at a cost of about $6,000. 

The phit selected for campus contained about 
six acres, consisting- of an aband<med cemetery of 
3.35 acres on tlie hill south of Valley street, orig- 
inally' gi^'en to the city by the Hon. Jeremiah 
Smith, an early resident of P>nrlingt(m, and a num- 
ber of lots hing west and south of it, some donated 
and some purchased. The city conyeyed its title 
in consideration of other grounds to be nsed for 
cemetery. 

The first annual meeting was held ^lay 11, 1853, 
J. A. Nash being elected president of the board, G. 
J. Johnson, secretary, and T. W. Newman, treas- 
urer. 

Work was begun on the ne\y building early in 
the year. 

A copy of the first annual re])ort of the exec- 
utiye committee of the board of trustees was pub- 



72 loir a Baptist t^^chooh. 

lislu'd ill 1853. Tlie report states that a contract 
had been made for the erection of a beantifnl and 
substantial editice, designed for the preparatory or 
academic (b*i)a]tiiient. In dimensions it was 05 by 
44 feet n])on the ground, tliree stories in lieight, 
or 40 feet above the foundati<m. The? walls to be 
of brick, llie wlioje to be surmounted by a cupola 
and dome, 2(5 feet in height above the roof. 

It contains an account of the laying of the cor- 
ner stone July 4, 1853, "in the ]U'e.sence of vast 
multitudes of citizens and friends who honored the 
occasion with their attendance." The history of 
the origin of the institution was given by Secre- 
tary Johnson; the Declaration of Independence 
read by Senator A. C, Dodge; a poem given by G. 
S. Barton, p]s<j., of Burlington; and the oration 
by C Ben Dai'win of tlie same jdace. 

The ve]K)rt gives also a list of the articles 
de]>osited beneath the corner stone. 

PRINCIPAL GUNNISON;, 

1854-1856. 

October '2i\, 1858, Rev. George W. Gunnison of 
Newton (\mter, :Mass., was elected principal at 
a salary of |4()0, a\ liich a year later was increased 
to |500, and Mrs. M. A. V. Darwin, lady ])rincipal, 
to receive the tuitions of her pupils for her pay. 
The following year her salary was made |450. 
The two departments of the sch(»ol were opened 
January 4, 1854, Piof. Gunnison in charge of the 
boys in the basement of the Baptist church, and 
Mrs. Darwin in charge of the girls in the base- 
ment of the Congregational chundi. Al>out ninety 
students were enrolled, thirty of them engaged in 



Burlington CoUefjhife Institute. 73 

the study of tli(- nm-ieiit laugiiages, and twenty in 
modern languages. 

The following items of interest connected with 
the earliest period of (lie existence of the univer- 
sity are gleaned from a copy of the second annual 
rejjort of the executive committee and abstract of 
exei-cises of the s<H-ond anniveisai-y, published in 
July, ]8r>4: 

The second annual meeting of the l)oard of trustees was 
held in the lecture room of the new college edifice, July 3, 
1854. The second annual report of the executive committee 
was read and adopted. 

A plan for an endowment of $100,000 was presented by 
the secretary and adopted. On motion of Mr. Newman it 
was voted that we commence upon the work of endowing 
Burlington University by raising within the ensuing year at 
least $5,000 to be paid or secured, and draw interest as 
soon as all is subscri)>ed. The l)Ook was then opened and 
$1,200 were immediately pledged. 

At S o'clock p. m. of the same day, in accordance with a 
widely extended notice, a convention of friends favorable 
to the formation of a Ministerial Education society was 
held in the Baptist house of worship. An excellent and ap- 
propriate sermon was preached by Rev. A. R. Belden of 
Iowa City, after which the convention began by the ap- 
pointment of Rev. H. Burnett, president, and Prof. G. W. 
Gunnison, secretary. 

After a season of free conference, and the announcement 
of the fact that two young brethern having the ministry in 
view had made application to the friends of Burlington 
University for aid, it was unanimously resolved, that prelim- 
inary steps be now taken for the formation of an Iowa 
Baptist Ministerial Education society. 

A collection Avas taken amounting to about $50.00 in 
pledges and cash, which amount has since been appropri- 
ated to a young brother studying in the university. 

Tuesday morning, the 4th of July at 1 o'clock, a large 
congregation of citizens and visiting friends assembled in 
the chapel of the new college edifice to attend upon the ex- 
ercises appointed for the celebration of the completion and 
dedication of the building. The Declaration of Independ- 
ence was then read by Rev. James M. Morgan of Burlington. 
Rev. J. C. Burroughs of Chicago, next delivered an excel- 
lent and appropriate oration, after which a poem was read 
ty Dr. Philip Harvey of Burlington. At 8 o'clock on the 



74 ■ loica Baptist Schools. 

eveuiug of the 4th a public literary festival of the Eonadel- 
phian society of the university was given in the chapel to 
a large and appreciative audience. The young gentlemen 
were much applauded and performed their parts with 
credit to themselves and the institution. 

The erect iuu aud completion of the building had 
cost .f7,So8.7o, and |281.85 had been .spent in im- 
proving and enclosing the grounds, making the 
total expended |8,120.08. Of this amount Mr. H. 
^'. Kendall of 8t. Louis, Mo., gave |1,000. The 
building was later named Kendall Edifice in rec- 
ognition of this generous gift. 

The faculty Avas increased by the additicm of the 
following named instructors: Rev. E. M. Fish, 
Dr. John H. Ranch, Mr. A. E. Van Meter, Mrs. C. 
Augusta II ickok, Mrs. 8arah L. Gunnison, aud 
31iss Larissa M. Hill. The first annual catalogue 
issued in January, 1855, reported 167 pupils. 

At the opening of the fall term, 1855, Mr. 
Leonard Urowu, a student from P\. Des Moines, 
was elected tutor, and later taught two years in 
the school, Trof. Fish retiring later to accept 
another ]>osition. 

A set'oud iiimual catalogue was issued in 1856, 
giving tlie names of ninety-two gentlemen and 
seventy lady students. Among the number are 
recognized the familiar names of Leonard Brown, 
Addison ('. Williams, George (\ Remey, his 
brother, William B., and Thomas G. Troxel. Mr. 
Brown has been well known in ToAva as a teacher, 
lecturer, and Avriter for near half a century. WiF 
liams afterwards a\ ou a national reputation as 
Methodist divine and pulpit orator. Remey, be- 
ginning at the F. S. Xaval academy, Avent suc- 
cessiA'ely throngli all the grades of promotion bv 
fn'thful and distinguished serAice to highest 
Jionors his goA^ernment could bestoAA' — admiral in 



Burlington CoUcyiate Institute, 75 

the iitiYj. Troxel beeaiue au able aud eloquent 
lawyer in southeastern Iowa. 

PRINCIPAL IND;, 

1856-1857. 

June 9, 1856, Rev. Thomas M. lud was elected 
principal, succeeding Prof. Uuunisou, resigned. 
Mr. Ind was a genial, earnest, cultured young 
Englishman who remained one 3'ear aiul then re- 
signed to accept tlie pastorate of the South Hill 
JJaptist church, Ijurlington. 

►Septembei- 4, 1S5<», the chronicler of these his- 
torical data entered Burlington University (acad- 
emy) as a student, aud the record of the next three 
aud a half years may possibly assume somewhat 
the hue of rennniscence. The instructors for that 
year, 185()-1857, were, besides the principal, who 
taught the ancient languages, Mr. George \V. Dow, 
professor of luathematics and the natural sciences; 
Horace H. Hawley, vocal music; Leonard Brown, 
a student from Ft. Des Moines; Misses Anna M. 
J. Chamberlain, Maria M. Parmenter, Anna G. 
Monroe, and Emma Taylor. 

During the anniversary exercises of the Eona- 
delphian society, July 7, 1857, Rev. Dr. W. G. 
Howard, of Chicago, delivered the oration, and 
Jesse Clement, of Dubuque, a. poem. In the stu- 
dent program which closed the exercises the final 
oration was delivered by Addison C. Williams, of 
Burlington, and a i)oem read by Leonard Brown, 
of Ft. Des Moines, entitled "Our Country," which 
was worthy of even wider publication than it 
received in the author's Poems of the Prairies ]nib- 
lished some months later. Space can be given liere 
for the opening stanza : 



76 towa Baptist Schools. 

On a ehore far remote, in days now long past. 
Some God-fearing men, wliose possessions were vast, 
Bade adieu to their liomes and fields of bright grain, 
In a small ship of burden to cross the rough main. 
Nor treasures nor plunder tiiey sought o'er the seas, 
The flag of religion they spread to the breeze, 
Displaying this motto, expressive and odd, 
'Rebellion to tyrants is duty to God.' 

Tliougli the .state was not jet ten years old, 
many of the .settlements widel}' separated, the 
loads were merely trails over the prairies, and 
through the brush and woods, the streams geu- 
erall}' uubridged, conveyances in the most part 
limited to lumber wagons dra\\ii by oxen or 
horses, ail the people, pioneers, living fur the most 
part in rude log houses of their own building, and 
struggling to plant and harvest sufficient produce 
for themselves and their animals, yet boys and 
girls were nowhere lacking, eager to enter when- 
ever a school was opened. Of the eighty-tAvo young 
men and seventy-six young women who entered 
lUulington that year some came more than 150 
miles, and one or two at least, more than 300 
miles. They were of all ages from fourteen to 
thirty years. Among the number were at least 
two who later entered tiie ministry, H. S. Cloud, 
from Toledo, and Uriah R. AA'alton, from 
Dubuque. Some went into law and a larger num- 
ber entered the teachers' profession and made 
good records. One of the number, Thomas Hedge, 
afterwards served his district for a number of 
terms Avith credit in congress, and another, John 
H. Hungate, became a leading banker in Peoria, 
III., also James B. Gregg began the foundation 
for Iiis future law jtractice. 

At a meetin,^^ of the executive committee in 
X)ecember, 18or>j it A\'as decided to undertake the 



Burlington Collegiate Institute. 77 

ereetiou of a set-uud biiildiug to be used for ladies' 
seiuiiiary and boaidiug hall. The coruer stone of 
this Itiiildiiii;- was hiid July 4, 1857, (lov. Jjiuies 
A\'. (Iriiiics deli\'i'riiig the oration on the occasion. 
AN'itli .*!j;8,()00 subscription to erect the building and 
pay ott* a small indebtedness tlie coniniittee com- 
pleted the foundation. Then came the unparalleled 
iinancial enibai-rassment of 1857 which spread a 
pall over the entire business of the country. The 
work was abamloned and never renewed. 

Kev. John A. Xash of 1^'t. Des Moines, so well 
known aft<M-\\ards in Towa as the loved i)resident 
of Des Moines College, was president of the board 
of lrnsle<*s; lle\ . <Jeorge J. Johnson, seci-etary, 
and Thomas W. Xewman, treasurer, both of Bur- 
lington. 

I'KINCIPAL ALLEN, 

1S57-1S6.5. 

The next year the school lost Principal Thomas 
M. Ind and Prof. George ^^'. Dow, a good teacher, 
a good man, and a very good friend and counsellor 
of the students, who accepted the principalship 
of one of the Chicago schools, but gained llev. 
JvoreJizo J?. Allen, 1). 1)., of Yarmouth, Me., where 
he had seived the IJaptisi church for nine years as 
pastor; Rev. Josejdi T. Kobert, M. 1)., of Ottumwa, 
in place of i'l-of. Dow; .Airs. Jane P. Hawle}', 
piano; and four student assistant teachers, William 
A. lOggleston, Alonzo Abernethy, and the Misses 
Annie Xorris ;'.n<l Julia E. Blood. One liundred 
and s«'\<'iity-) \\(» students were enrolled this year, 
lifiy-iiine ladies, and one hundred and thirteen 
;.i('T>tlenieii. Among the nnnd)er were ti\'e yi>ung 
men who la.tei- entered the Baptist ministry, 
munely, John E. (Mough, AVilliam A. Eggleston, 



78 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Jerome i>. Kiiigbt, Tliomas Martin, aud Alexander 
D. McMiebaeJ. Que of the number, Clough, as all 
Cbri.steudom knows, became fortj-two years ago, 
aud remains to tbis day, tbe great apostle to tbe 
Telugus. Another, McMichael, after fifty years 
of useful ministerial and other labor in tbe far 
west is still living at Spokane, Wash., iu 1907. 
Some of these boys entered tbe school as Chris- 
tians, and oue or two to prepare for the ministry, 
but young ( 'lough had never made any profession, 
probably bad never had the benefit of any religious 
training or instruction. Several years before, he 
had joined a surveying party and spent his sum- 
mers out on the frontier, working his way up to 
the position of surveyor. At the close of the sur- 
veying season for 1857 his emj^loyer, a Mr. Ander- 
son, living at Tivoli, near Dubuque, desiring to 
place his own son, who was disposed to be a little 
Avild, iu some school for the winter where he 
would be surrounded by good associations, sug- 
gested to Clough that he should go to Burlington 
with Ids son. Clough was converted there the 
first Avinter in a college revival, and decided to 
remain at school. 

God moves in a mysterious way, 
His wonders to perform. 

After two years' service the gifted and cultured 
lady principal, Miss Chamberlain, resigned and 
was soon after married to Prof. George W. Dow 
of Chicago. Later they removed to Moline, 111., 
where they still live in person, as they live also in 
the mejuory of many an old-time Burlington 
student. 

In 1858 Dr. Richard F. Barrett of St. Louis, 
Mo., pledged the university |20,000 conditionally 



Burlington Collegiate Institute. ^9 

for eudowiiieut. A poitiou of the gift was realized 
after liis death, two years hiter. 

At the opeuiug of .sehool in September, 185^, the 
iiaine.s of two more uoith Iowa boj'S appear for 
enrollment. Alva lUish, from Htrawberr}^ Poiut, 
was under «-ou\ ietion that he ought to preach the 
gospel, and Omar T. Conger had been found at 
work in a wagon shop at Decorah b}' that Nestor 
of Iowa IJaptist pioneer preachers, Charles E. 
Brown, and pcdnted toward a place of preparation 
for his life work. l>oth names have been house- 
hold words for nearly half a century among Iowa 
Baptists. 

At the following January public literary exhi- 
bition Conger and Clough were matched in debate, 
and Bush gave an oration on Neglect of Mental 
Powers. Again, .March 1<>, at another entertain- 
ment Conger delivered an oration on The Cancer 
of Amei'ica, and Ihisli on Iniegiiiy of ruii)ose. 
Bush was ordained at his home church, Straw- 
berry l*oiut, in No^'ember, 185D, i»reached and 
taught in Fayette county until 18<i3, when he re- 
mo\'ed to Osage. After nineteen years of heroic 
labors in founding the Cedar Valley Seminary, 
he went home to enjoy the treasures laid up in 
heaven, (.'onger, after a long life of successful 
pastoral laboi- in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, dur- 
ina' which time many hundreds of vouuii !)eoi)le were 
con\'erted under his ministry, closed his earthly 
labors at Indiana]H)lis, Ind. 

In the catalogue for ]S50-()0 anotlici- leacher 
a]>p(*5ns in the faculty. Rev. S. W. Marston, 
Avhose name is yet well reniembered as" an earnest 
teacher, ])reacher, and missionary laborer in 
Iowa, and later in ^lissouri. ^liss ]Mary E. Burn- 



80 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

ham is teacher of French. 178 students are en- 
rolled, 60 ladies, and 118 gentlemen. Here ap- 
pears some more names that become familiar in 
Iowa, in later rears, such as Austin D. Bush, 
Loreu T. JUish, and Jabez T. Sunderland. All of 
them, after completing their education here or 
elsewhere, spent years of successful pastoral and 
other labor in Iowa and other states. Other 
names well remembered were, among the girls, 
Julia and Lucy Allen, Carrie Rogers, and Matilda 
Yv'illiams, and among the bo^'s not before men- 
tioned, ^AM]liam P. Allen, Elisha P. Hickok, Wes- 
ley C. Hobbs, T. J. R. Perry, John T. Remey, 
Thomas J. Turlock, and Eugene Ware, all from 
or near Ilurlingtou. Everyone of them honored the 
institution where they got their initial .training, 
and, with marked distinction; the first named, Wm. 
P. Allen, ex-state senator and wealthy lumber 
mercimnt of ?»linuesota, still lives in St. Paul, and 
the last named, Eugene F. Ware, the brilliant 
poet, historian, and late U. S. Commissioner of 
Pensions at AVashington. 

We have lingered on these few earlier years of 
our earliest Baptist school, partly because it 'was 
to the writer hallowed ground, full of precious 
memories, and also because it affords a real 
though partial picture of what a denomination 
secures when it maintains a school of higher learn- 
ing in any grnde for its own young people. 

The school was probably maintained, by the 
Baptists of lov/a and western Illinois, as ad- 
equately, possildy more adequately, than dur- 
ing any other four j^ears in its jlity 
years' liistory. There were many evidences 
of personal interest and instances of personal 



Burlinyto)i Collegiate Institute. 81 

sacrifices to help the school along in those days 
of small beginnings. 

Following this jjeriod came the war, then the 
financial depressions, and the bickerings regard- 
ing location, all of which tended to paralyze effort 
everywhere. In this brief four year period the 
school attracted and helped and inspired at least 
fifteen young men to enter the gospel ministry in 
our churches, out of probably not far from 500 
young men and A\omen. How many went out from 
this number as physicians, lawyers, teachers, or 
laborers in other fields, or to establish Christian 
homes, can never be known. But this may well 
])i' iissdUKHi, tJiat every one of (henuini»?M' wcui iulo 
life's labors better fitted therefor, often in many 
ways, by reas(m of the high ideals maintained and 
diffused alike by teachers and students. The 
school was maintained in pioneer territory and in 
true pioneer spirit. Its students were often stir- 
red to entliusiasm and consecration by those 
matchless pioneer preachers and princely fishers 
of men, Jacob Knapp, Lewis Raymond, and Mor- 
gan Edwards, who were always welcome in Bur- 
lington. 

What was accomplished in this school in this 
four years has been accomplished probably, and 
will l)e accomplished with variations by every 
Christian school adequately maintained by any 
people. It is a lesson that our people both of to- 
day and tomorrow ought to learn. 

For the school year 1861-1862 the teachers were : 
Principal Allen, Dr. Robert and his son, James A., 
Rev. F. Fnnsel, CcTinan; Miss Josephine A. Cut- 
ter, princii)n] of tlie Indies' flepnrtment; ^(issc^s 
Emma R. Browa, ^Fartha A. Robert, and [Martha 



82 loiva Baptist Schools. 

11. Cutter besides ^iv. H. H. Hawley. and his wife; 
Mrs. Jaue K. Hawlej, iu iiiusie. 

For a number of years diiriug tlie Civil War the 
school continued substantially under the same 
management. The number or names of students 
attending is not now attainable as catalogues or 
other student records are not preserved. For the 
year 18G1-18G2 the number exceeded one hundred. 
Of this number, thirteen were preparing for the 
A\ork of the gospel minislry and vec<'ived aid trot.u 
the Educational society, heretofore mentioned, 
amounting to folO. The same society paid that 
year |200 for tlieological instruction at the school. 

In June, 1801*, the tenth annual report of the 
executive committee was published. It gives some 
account of the first 

Ten years of arduous labor amid many embarrassments. 
For the first five years the work moved on prosperously. 
A boarding hall was erected, a new edifice was begun. Sev- 
eral thousand dollars of the endowment has been secured 
and invested. The library of 2,000 volumes embraces the 
best literature of the age. We have a $500 telescope, and 
valuable apparatus. 

And now came a change in the financial affairs of the 
country. In the midst of prosperity, like a hurricane at the 
close of a fair day, occurred the financial crash of 185 7. 
Then came in IS GO the currency collapse. Upon the rear of 
all this have fallen the adversities of a gigantic and pro- 
longed civil war. Twenty-five of our boys are today in the 
Union army. Still, over 100 pupils have been in attendance 
during the past year. Professors Allen and Robert, and 
Tutor Robert, and the Misses Cutter and Brown are in 
charge of the school. 

As the income was no longer adequate to sup- 
port the school on the old basis, and it was impos- 
sible to raise money, and they must not imperil 
the pi-o]H'rty, the board decided to give the use of 
the bnibliugs to such teachers as could remain 
and take the receipts for compensation. 



Burlington Collegiate Institute. 83 

Dr. Allen decided to stand by the ship through 
the storm, and remained at the head till April, 
1805, near the close of the war. During these jears 
his eldest daughter, Julia, proved a most efficient 
helper. He had brought to the school broad 
scholarship, a diguitied and kindly demeanor, and 
the lofty zeal and piety of one whose life was 
wholly devoted to his Master's service. After eight 
years of service here he removed to Minneapolis, 
Miuu., accepting the call of the First Baptist 
church of that city. During this pastorate a new 
church edifice was erected, but soon after, ^is 
health failed, compelling him to resign. He be- 
came greatly interested in educational matters 
and frequently with voice and pen urged the es- 
tablishment of a denominational school by the 
Baptists. He was a member of several committees 
and chairman of one, appointed by the state con- 
vention to interest the Baptists of the state in 
this subject. In 1870 Dr. Allen went to Wasioja, 
a small town in the south-eastern part of the state 
and opened a school named Groveland Academy, 
carrying on this school for several years, largely 
with the assistance of his Avife and two daugh- 
ters. Meantime he continued actively his efforts 
for the establishment of a denominational school, 
which finally after his death culminated in the 
Owatonua academy. 

Dr. Allen AAas born June 11, 1816, at Jefferson, 
]Maiue, where his father, Bev. NN'illiam Allen, Avas 
for forty years pastor of the Jefferson Baptist 
church. He was a graduate of Colby and entered 
the ministry in 1830. After nearly thirty-five 
years of cousecraled service 111 is good man was 
called up higher. 



84 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

In 1864 the executive board decided, iu view of 
the academical character of the school, to name 
it Builiugtou Collegiate Institute, without chang- 
ing the articles of incorporation. 

September 28, 1804, treasurer Newman re- 
ported receipts of |5,000 from Mr. E. Gove of 
Quincy, 111., on endowment and invested in U. S. 
bonds, and |5,100 on paying debts, and at the 
next annual meeting he reported the institution 
entirely out of debt with a little more than 
|5,000 in the treasury. 

November 11) and -0, 18(51, a foreign missionary 
mass-meeting A\'as held at the First Baptist 
church, Burlington, in connection with a council 
for the ordination of John E. Clough about to 
sail with his Avife for India. Dr. S. M. Osgood of 
Cliicago, western secretary of the American Bap- 
tist Missiouar.Y Union, was present, and Kev. ]>r. 
Nathaniel Colver, of Chicago, delivered the mis- 
sionary discourse. 

PKlNCirAL H.WHURST. 

1865-1SG6. 

August 10, 18G5, Rev. L. W. Hayhurst was 
elected principal to succeed Dr. Allen. Desiring 
to reenter the ministry, and having re<ei\eda f-all 
to tlie First Baptist church, Des Aioines, 3Ir. Hay- 
hurst luesented his resignation early in 186(1 to 
take (>ftect at the end of the spring term, which 
request was granted by the board. 

PltlNCirAL HKNOEHSOX. 

18 66-1860. 

.Vumisi :\, lSH(i, l*i(»f. .Tames HcnihMsoii. A. M., 
of M'>niiHin! )>. nrmois, futcrc*! info o conti'act 



Burlington Collegiate Institute. So 

for the luanageinent of the school for a period of 
tive yeary. At the begiuuing of the fall term, 
1807, Dr. Joseph T. Robert who had served as 
professor of Greek in the iState University for sev- 
eral years re-entered the Burlington school as 
teacher of theology. His daughter. Miss Martha 
A. Eobert, and Miss Laura Derby were elected in 
place of Miss Allen resigned. Rev. Elisha P. 
Hickok and Edward A. Van Meter taught during 
the year. Dr. Robert remained in the school three 
years, resigning June 30, iSTO, going from Bur- 
lington to Georgia, where he served another long 
period as president of the Atlanta Baptist Semi- 
nary, supported by the American Baptist Home 
MiSvsion Hociety for the edur-atiun of colored uiiu- 
isters, where he died prior to 1886. "A scholar of 
the highest order and a perfect Christian gentle- 
man." 

At the annual meeting of the board June 24, 
18H8, the following preamble and resolutions 

Avere adopted : 

Whereas there are so many growing divisions among 
the Baptists of Iowa in educational matters as to cut off all 
hope that any sufficient endowment can very soon be 
realized from abroad for the support of the institution, and 

Whereas the community immediately surrounding the 
institution has from the beginning manifested so little in- 
terest in its welfare, and yet is so indifferent as to give no 
hope of endowment either from this source; therefore, 

Resolved, That the executive committee be instructed to 
sell the building and grounds occupied by our school in- 
cluding one lot east of Boundary street, and also so much 
of the personal property as they may find expedient at such 
prices as they may be able to obtain but not less than 
$35,000 for the whole, and with part of this money to 
purchase or rent another building, and the other part in- 
vest in some productive manner for the support of the 
school, or if to make such sale of the school is not immedi- 
ately practical)le, then the committee be instructed to 
divide lui the grounds into small lotR, as may be most 
saleable, and sell so fast as they may ])e able at prices that 



8B Iowa Baptist Schools. 

shall secure $30,000 for the whole, excepting that part 
upon which the main building stands. 

August 5, 18G8, a plat was «old olit the east eud 
ot the campus to the city school board for |l',UOO. 
The Burliugtou high school building was later 
erected ou this plat. 

Professor Heudersou continued at the head of 
the school for three years, during which time ap- 
parently no catalogues or other publications were 
issued. If the records were .preserved of the 
teachers and students of that period they are not 
now available. 



PIUXGIPAL FRIESE^ 
1869-1872. 



At the annual meeting of the board June 7, 
1869, Dr. Johnson declined a re-election as secre- 
tary since his residence at St. Louis, was at too 
great a distance from the institution. Judge T. 
AA'. Xewmau \\as elected secretary, and Mr. Eras- 
tus Chamberlain, treasurer. 

At the same meeting Rev. V. Friese, A. M., of 
Norristown, N. J., was elected principal, taking 
Prof. Henderson's place by mutual agnvment, for 
the two remaining years of his contract. In ad- 
dition to the principal, the followiug named in- 
structors were elected: Dr. Joseph T. Robert, 
Prof. James A. Robert, Misses Elizabeth L. Gei- 
ger, and ^Irs. Louise Blatchley. Later Rev. L. W. 
Hayhurst and ]Mrs. M. A. P. Darwin. The follow- 
ing year Princi])al Friese, L. W. Hayhurst, Miss 
Geiger, and ^Irs. Darwin, Avere placed in charge of 
the school. In 1871, Mrs. Darwin withdrew and 
was replaced by INlrs. J. A. Woods. 



Burlington Collegiate Institute. 87 

The same lack of records exists during Prin- 
cipal Friese's administration as during tiie prev- 
ious one. Annual written reports were made by 
the principals to the executive committee but 
geem not to ha^ e been recorded or preserAed. 

PRINCIPAL WORTMAN^ 

1872-1879. 

iSeptember 7, 1872, Mr. L. E. AVortman, a 
scholarly young man from New Brunswick, was 
elected principal. His assistants in the teaching 
force were as follows : Miss A. S. A. Norwood, 
preceptress, mathmetics and English; Miss Isolde 
Schilling, German; Miss Florence Littlefield, 
English; L. W. Williams, music. A catalogue 
was issued for the year 1872-1873, giving the 
names of seventy-two students enrolled the tirst 
year, fifty-five in the advanced department and 
nineteen in the primary. The catalogue for 1873- 
1874, shows the faculty increased by the addition 
of C. C. Pratt and Hattie E. Newman. Sixty- 
four students Avere enrolled, fifty-tAVo in the ad- 
vanced department and twelve in the preparatory. 

The next year the same teachers remained, with 
ail enrollment of ninety-one students, sixty-nine 
in advanced A^ork and two completing the course, 
Miss Emma Coombs and Miss Anna M. Nesbit. 

At the annual meeting in 1875, the treasurer 
reported that the paid up endowment fund ex- 
ceeded 112,000. 

In the catalogue for 1875-1 87(), there were 
sev(Mity-seven students, fifty-nine in the academic 
depnil nicnci and eiglitecn in ])repnratory and 
music. 



88 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Prof. Wortmau was au excellent teacher and 
scliool man, and with hi,s associates was doing 
thorough work in the school, while the number of 
students continued rather small. Miss Norwood, 
his cjiief assistant, Jiad x^i'^^ved a most coiiipeleut 
and valuable teacher and assistant in the school. 
After some four years' work she resigned to accept 
an appointment from the American Baptist Mis- 
sionary Union for missionary service in China, 
where she went soon after giving up her work at 
liurlington. Later she married a minister who 
was also an American missionarj' in that country. 

A frame building adjoining the main college 
building used for boarding teachers and students 
having recently been burned, the bojii-d decided iu 
1877, to erect a brick addition to the rear of the 
main building 32 by 32 feet and three stories in 
height, to be paid for out of the endowment fund. 

This gave them much better accommodation for 
boarding hall and some needed additional rooms. 

The catalogue for 1877-1878 gives the in- 
structors Prof. L. E. Wortman, Eev, J. V. Hurd, 
M. I)., Miss Amelia A. Field, and Miss Mary E. 
Taylor, Louis Ivichards, and >Mrs. L. W. Williams, 
music. There were eighty-seven students, sevent}- 
one in academic department and three graduates 
receiving the degree of bachelor of science, JX. A. 
King, Emma F. Parsons, and (Tcorge S. Russell. 

Prof. Wortman closed his seven year headship 
of the sciiool by resignation at the end of the 
scliool year in June, 1879, having made a very ex- 
cellent record of faithful and efficient service 
under the conditi<ms in wliich it was given. He 
was exce(>ded, in tlie leugtli of service, in the his- 
tory of llic school only by Principal Allen. 



BurliiHjtmi Collcfjidtc Institute. 89 

PRINCIPAL STEARNS, 
1879-1882. 

At the annual meeting of the board, June 13, 
1870, Dr. (reorge J. Jolmson resigned his mend)er- 
ship on the board as he had removed to Phihidel- 
phia. lie had given the school twenty-seven years 
of eminent and unrequited service and now felt 
compeUed to retire from the number of its active 
su]>porters. To his indefatigable labors it owed 
first its existence, and afterwards cliietly also i(s 
rapid and substantial growth. 

:May 10, 1879,Prof. Edward F. Stearns of Chi- 
cago, was elected principal of the institute for the 
ensuing school year. Associated witli him were 
;Miss Amelia A. Fields as his chief assistant and 
preceptress, and several others. 

March 3, 1880, a bequest of |500 was received 
from the estate of ^lartha Rogers of Middleton, 
Conn. 

For the succeeding year Principal Stearns liad 
also associated with liim Thomas C. Roney, a 
most excellent Christian gentleman and teacher. 

At the close of his second year's work the boai'd 

passed the following: 

Resolved, That this board returns thanks to Prof. Stearns 
and his wife for the labor, energy, and money expended in 
improving and adorning the college grounds and for their 
interest and efficiency in the management of the school, 
buildings, and grounds. 

^frs. Stearns is the daugliter of the late ex-pres- 
ident J. C. BuiTonglis, D. D., the founder and 
builder of the old T'niversity of Chicago, and is a 
woman of rare ability, attainments, and charm. 

Prof. Stearns remained another year at the 
head of the school, liaving as assistant Mr. W. 
M. Ege, in place of Mr. Roney, and then resigned, 



J>0 Iowa Baptist i^chooh. 

tho iiK'oiiie of the .scliool uot seeming to warrant 
his remaining longer. Prof. Stearns was and is a 
born teacher and has given his life to teaching, 
for the last fifteen years as principal of one of the 
public schools of Chicago. 

The following named students received diplo- 
mas by vote of the board June 8, 1882, for com- 
pletion of their courses of study: 

:\foses n. Neally, Bertha E. Ball, :\tary A. Tady, 
Laura ^IcFarland, Josephine M. Newman, and 
Estella Woodworth. 

PRESIDENT SPINNEY, 

1882-1887. 

Reptember 4, 1882, Kev. Edmund (\ Spinney, 
D. D., who had been pastor at Bella from 1871 to 
1873, and pastor of the First church in BurlinG;.- 
ton since 1880, was elected president. He was 
ably assisted this and the following year by Mr. 
Ernest ^A'. Clement, a son of ^Mr. Jesse Clement, 
for many years a brilliant and poetical writer, 
and ])rominen( Baptist, residing at [)ubu<|ue. 
Other members of the faculty were. Misses Ina 
Elder and ^fary C. Alexander, A. J. and Mrs. 
Florence Goodrich, Dr. H. G. Griffith and Kev. 
C. E. Higgins, who was at that time pastor of the 
Walnut street church in the city. 

Dr. Spinney took up a task of no light ]iropor- 
tions as Professors Wortmau and Stearns and 
others before them had done. Both these men had 
come to Burlington with excellent equipment for 
the work, and both had given to it energy, cour- 
age, patience, and endurance. Roth had asked to 
b<^ relieved when they felt the burden was too 
heavy to carry longer. The board was willing to 



Burlinytoii Collegiate Institute. 91 

give him, as they had given them, all the income 
from tuitions, interest on endowment, rents, etc., 
and help in other ways as they could, but were un- 
willing to promise the payment of fixed salaries 
and other exi)enses which might, by the accu- 
mulaUim of debts, imperil the existence of the in- 
stitution. He was well acquainted with the 
conditions in Iowa, and entered upon Ihe work 
under a live year contract because he had faith in 
himself and in the character of the work the in- 
stitute Avas doing. During the first year one hun- 
dred students were enrolled. 

At the beginning of the school in September, 
1883, there were some changes in the teaching 
force, Misses Elder and Alexander retiring, and 
^Ir. Higgins had removed as pastor to Independ- 
ence. Mr. Joseph G, (lardner was added, also 
;Miss ]\rartha E. Rudd, ]Nfrs. Jesse Clement, and 
Albert B. Zimmermann, Tlie number of students 
was greater than for the preceding year, one hun- 
dred tliree being enrolled in the literary depart- 
ment, besides large classes in music and art, as 
shown by an announcement issued July 1, 1884. 
There were six graduates this year, Howard R. 
:Mcrullough, Mary A. Scholes, Hattie T. Sheldon, 
Stella ^\. Smithers, Emma J. Taylor, Minnie L. 
Mitchell. 

At the end of this second year Prof. Clement 
resigned to accept the chair of Latin at Wayland 
Academy, Reaver Dam. Wisconsin. Later he 
went to Tokyo, Japan, where he has labored for 
many years, and done a great work as principal of 
Duncan Academy, established and maintained by 
the American Baptist Missionary ITnion. With 
the close of the school year two other instructors 



^w Iowa Baptist Scliooh. 

retired, Mrs.Clemeut and Mr. Zimiiiermauii; aud 
Iheii- j)la<'es wore lilhMl by Mr. (Maieiice Gardner 
for Latin and Greek, and Miss Florence Frazee 
f<)r German and French. Dr. S. H. Stutsman 
tanj»hi physiology for several years about this 
time, and Miss Alice M. Hrown in the department 
of art. Hy these additions the strength of the 
faculty was maintained, and additions made as 
fast as the increased enrollment would warrant. 
There was an increased number of students for 
1884-1885, but the total number cannot ])e given. 
The grnduating exercises were held at the opera 
house, June 10, 1885; the graduating class number- 
ing seven, as follows: Harry D. Stoddard, Nel- 
son Stull, Leroy M, Coffman, Letta McCrary, 
Lillie P: McGhesnev, Nellie Burrows, ^lollie K. 
Dnke. 

Several changes in the faeulty occurred in 
1885, Joseph and Glar<mce Gardner and j\Iiss 
Tvudd retiring, their ])laces being filled by Mrs. 
Jose]>hine C. Spinney, Benjamin F. James, and 
Miss ^fyra E. Gall, the two last named remaining 
for a year. Two hundred fourteen students were 
in attendance during the year, two of them were 
preparing for the ministry, and there were eight 
in the class of 1880, as follows: Libbie P. Banner, 
H. Mn7.e Schofield, Sadie P. Frev, Grace A. Wood, 
Anna J. Gollen, Inez L. Goodin, Charles F. Le- 
Brock, and William D. Ketchem. 

For the school year 1886-1887, the faculty was 
further strengthened by the addition of such able 
teachers as Professors Albert TiOUghridge, DeWitt 
D. Forward, and iNFisses Grace F. Harvey and 
Fannie F. Forward. The catalogue issued in 1887, 
gives the names of one hundred and seven stud- 



BurJliKjloii CoJIcyiafc In-itltute. 93 

ents in the literary department, also nearly as 
many more in music, art and shorthand, contain- 
in»» many names given more than once. In the an- 
nnal exhibiticm this year the names of two stud- 
ents appear, Samuel F. Tracy and Homer E. Nor- 
ton, who afterwards made excellent records, one 
in business, the other in the mitfistry. Twelve 
seem to have completed the literary course: J. 
L. Benbow, Theo. Forbey, Carl A. Stutsman, 
Frank Sejo^ner, Mae Hayden, Lizzie Frame, Mame 
]\rcrullougb, Nellie Wyman, Mamie Gilbert, 
Ernest Toad, William Mc(;iintock, Harlan S. 
Frey. 

PRINCIPAL FORWAIID, 

18S7-1888. 

At the annual lueeting of the board June 8, 
3887, Prof. DeWitt D. Forward was elected prin- 
cipal at a salary of |700. The other members of 
the faculty were William H. Stutsman, Afiss 
Sophia Forward, ifiss Fannie Forward, ^liss 
Maud Love, and Mrs. Grace Forward. 

At the close of this year's work as principal, 
which had been highly satisfactory, Prof. For- 
ward declined a re-election, and the board placed 
on re<ord a vote of thanks for his services for the 
pasf two years, and their legret at parting with 
him. 

PRTNCIPAL P.ALLARD. 

1888-1889. 

The board found it difficult to secure a compe- 
tent person to take charge for the ensuing year. 
Several efforts were made without success. Fin- 
ally August 3, 1888, a contract was executed with 



94 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Prof. S. H. Ballard of Himtsville, ^lo., to have 
chargf of the school for a i>erio<l of Ave years. 

The school during the ensniug year was evi- 
dently small and the outlook discouraging-. In 
the following May, Mr. Ballard asked to l>e p(>r- 
mitted to surrender his lease at the close of the 
school year. The request was granted on condi- 
tion that he maintain the best school he could and 
give the best rdosing exercises practicable. 

The school was suspended in 1889, and re- 
mained closed for three years. Dr. Johnson, pres- 
ident of the board, in a report dated June 19, 1890, 
explains the causes leading to the suspension. 

The following excerps give the causes in brief 
and the views of the board regarding its future. 

First: The changes in the times. The public schools, 
both municipal and state, have not only greatly increased 
In number and efficiency during the last twenty-five years, 
but as a rule, have come to furnish instruction free of all 
expense to pupils or in consideration only of the smallest 
fees. 

Second: Crushing taxation by the city. This was for 
constructing a sewer, curbing with stone, and paving with 
brick the long street bounding one whole side of the campus 
that was being preserved as a public ground. 

In closing allow me to suggest a few considerations 
which I am sure would weigh largely in our minds as 
against any idea that the institution has already accom- 
plished its mission or should upon any pretext whatever be 
allowed at this point to finally close its history. 

1. The truth universally admitted by evangelical people, 
that Institutions of Christian learning are today among _the 
most potential and hopeful agencies existing on earth for pro- 
motion of Christianity and human welfare, and that, there- 
fore, instead of the blotting out of any of these already 
established institutions for which continued exitence and 
usefulness are possible, many additional ones rather should 
be planted. 

2. This institution has a property too well located where 
the school has flourished in the past, and where if properly 
provided for, it could unquestionably as largely again 
flourish in the future, and also a property already acquired 
that Is too valuable (consisting of a school edifice and 



BurliiKjloii ('oNcyiatc Institute. 95 

campus and five residence houses and a number of unoc- 
cupied lots and a tract of land in an adjoining state, al- 
together estimated to be worth at least $50,000, and if full 
prices could be realized, probably worth nearer $75,000, 
and all practically unincumbered), all too valuable, as well 
as too favorably located, to be sacrificed or in any manner 
perverted from the direct purpose for which it has been 
acquired. 

In 181)1 till effort was made on tlie part of some 
Towa fiieiKls of the school in the state to hav<^ 
llie in*o])evty transfeied to the Amerieau Raptist 
E«lueati<ui Society to he held until tlie debts 
conl<1 b<> paid, the ]>rop<M'ty sold, and the ])roceeds 
used to establish a Baptist academy at some other 
place in or near Bnrlinoton, if found practjcable, if 
not, tlien at some other point in soiithenstern 
Towa. ^Ir. Fred T. Gates, the corres]iondinG, sec- 
retary of the society, came to Burlington, exam- 
ined the pro])erty, the liabilities, etc., and after- 
wards ])roposed that if the board would transfer 
the property in trust to the society they would 
pay the debts, pay whatever mio-ht be necessary 
to put the ]U'operty in repair, and care for it until 
it could be sold to advantage and then use the 
proceeds to establish a Baptist academy either in 
Burlington or in some town in southeasteim Towa 
where the citizens would make a suitable contri- 
bution to found such a school. 

The board, hov\'ever, declined to make such an 
arrangement. 



PRINCIPAL BROADDUS HEADSHIP. 

1892-1893. 

April 20, 1892, Rev. M. E. Broaddus of Mis- 
souri, entered into a contract with the board to 
take charge of the school as principal, and man- 



■^a Iowa Baptist Schools. 

age it for the period of five years, and another 
contract to act as financial agent. 

Mr. Broaddns took possession of tlie build- 
ings and made a vigorous effort to re-estab- 
lish the school. He brought Prof. Edward M. 
Goldberg, of Stephens College, Columbia, Mo., to 
be associated A\'ith him in his work. The board 
put the buildings and premises in good repair and 
spent cousider-al)le money in improvements sug- 
gested as necessary by the principal. The school 
opened in the autumn with a fair attendance. 

DEATH OF JUDGE NEWMAN. 

Judge Newman had been a wise, faitlifut, and 
liberal friend of tlie institution from tlie begin- 
ning. He was elected treasurer of tlie board at 
its organization, and during the wliole forty-one 
3'ears served continuously either as treasurer or 
secretary, exce])t for Ihe ])eri()d wlien he was 
absent in the army. 

Thomas W. Newmau was born in Somerset copnty, Mary- 
land, January 23, 1829. He received his early education at 
Washington academy, Princess Anne, Maryland; studied 
law in Baltimore and was admitted to the bar in 1850. He 
came at once to Burlington, Iowa, and began the practice 
of his profession. He was elected county judge of Des 
Moines county in 1855, and served for two years. August 
5, 1861, he was commissioned by President Lincoln as 
captain in the Eleventh United States infantry, and served 
at Burlington, Iowa, and Indianapolis, Indiana, until the 
spring of 1863. He then resigned on account of impaired 
health, and returned to the practice of law at Burlington. In 
the fall of 1874, he was appointed by Governor Carpenter 
to the judgeship of the first judicial district of Iowa, and 
remained upon the bench until January 1, 1879. He con- 
tinued in active practice from that time until his death 
which occurred at his residence in Burlington, November 
2, 1892. 



(I 








Burlington Collegiate Institute. 97 

At a meeting of the Des Moines County Bar, 
November 3, the following truthful and loving 
tribute was noted :- 

Thomas W. Newman who, during the long period of 

over forty-tv/o years, has pursued his active career araong 
us, on Wednesday, the 2d of November, 1892, answered the 
inexorable call to which we must all respond. He came to 
this city in 1850, and here commenced the practice of his 
profession. He was young, vigorous, full of energy, and 
ambitious. His education had been good, his habits were 
studious. His faculties were such as justified his anticipa- 
tions of success as a lawyer, and would enable him to make 
his mark among men. He was industrious, acquainted with 
business, social, good tempered, and very soon secured 
a standing among his fellows not often attained in so brief 
a period. Only five years after his advent among us he was 
elected county judge and he subsequently occupied many 
other positions of trust and responsibility, in all of which 
he bore himself so as to secure the approbation of the pub- 
lic. For over four years he presided over the deliberationa 
of this court with general satisfaction to its members and 
then declined re-election, preferring the active practice of 
the profession to the duties of the bench, and from that 
time to his decease, he continued to make his presence 
familiar to us all. His legal career began and ended here, 
and the standing he attained was prominent and enviable. 
An early and fortunate marriage, a happy home, success 
in business and the esteem of a large circle of friends In- 
duces the belief that the life which has just ended was 
exce]itionally felicitous and leaves little to be regretted but 
the fact that a husband's love and a father's affection no 
longer bless the home they but recently made so happy. ^ 
^ Newman Memorial. 

JMr, John M. ^Nfercer, a leading attorney of Bur- 
liuo'toii, was elected secretary to succeed Judge 
Newman. 

June 3, 1803, INlr. Broaddus transferred a half 
interest in the management of the school to Rev. 
Jolm W. Luke. 

PRINCIPAL LUKE. 

1893-1897. 

In tbe catalogue issued soon after, in addition 
to the names of the two associate principals are 



98 Jowa Baptist Schools. 

the namos of :\rrs. R. C. Luke, Miss Ethel J. Luke, 
and ]Miss ^Mand Bnrt, besides a iimsie faciiltv of 
live, lieaded by Uertraiu (\ Henry. It contains the 
names of ninety-seven students, not eonnting' du- 
plicates, seventy in the literary de])artnient, and 
thirty-seven in music. 

Nov. 1, 1893, TJev. Kroaddus transferred his en- 
tire interest in tlie school to Mr. Luke. 

In 1895 Turlington reports one hundred sev- 
enty students. At the annual meeting of the 
l)o;r.(l, June 10, LS9r), the record contains the state- 
ment of some recent expenditures^ and i>resent 
liabilities, showing that the city assessments on 
the college property during the last six years for 
street grading, paving, and sewering had ex- 
ceeded |4,350, and that more than half that sum 
had also been expended in the same time for re- 
pairs and improvements, and thai the present 
debt was about |5,379. These facts reveal some 
of the burdens under which the board was stag- 
gering to maintain the school. A catalogue was 
issued this year which showed some changes 
among teachers, and tiie coming of Perrv ''^- I»i'(rt 
Mary Tlurg, Mary L. Donnohue, Mrs. J. V. Royal, 
and Mrs. C g. June. There were seventy-six 
students in the literary classes, and still larger 
numbers in music, elocution, and kindergarten. 
The board granted diplomas to the following 
graduates : Linda G. Avery, Amanda 1>. Dover, 
Harriet E. Gunn, Thomas J. Kaster. 

Early in June Mr. and Mrs. Luke ])resented a 
request to the executive committee for authority 
to secure funds and erect an Ofldition, 20 by 24 
feet and two stories high, to r lough cottage for 
the accomodation of the art department, and for 



^huiiiKjioii Collegiate Institute. 99 

recitation rooms. Leave was giauted anil thes« 
two indefatigable workers raised the money and 
erected and paid for the needed addition. 

MRS. R. C. LUKE'S HEADSHIP^ 

1897-1898. 

November 12 of the same year, Mr. Luke who 
had worked assiduousl}' for three and a half 
years, found his health entirely brok(»n and asked 
for and received an indefinite leave of absence. 
Mrs. R. C. Luke assumed control by the advice 
and ronseiit of the executive rommittee and went 
courageously at work to carry forM'ard the school. 

July 12, 189S, Mr. Luke was accidentally 
killed on the railroad in Burlitigton while walk- 
ing from the station to his home. 

In the 1897 catalogue Prof, and Mrs. II. H. 
Severan's names appear, also those of Ella C. 
Gill, Rose Talbot and Louise M. Smith as teach- 
ers. There were one hundred forty seven students 
including eleven graduates, as fr>llov\'s : 

Rebecca E. Donahue, Olive C. Huey, Ethel 
^lary Bnri;, Marv L. Donohue, Mrs. J. P. Royal, 
M. Huff, Eriiia Jewell, Nellie Z. Leacock, John R. 
Ping, Mary A. Powell, Carrie Talbot, Cynthia 
Talbot, T, D. T. Umberger, and Agnes Weinrich. 

Mrs. Luke continued in charge of the school for 
another year, reporting at the annual meeting, 
June 3, 1898, the list of teachers serving during 
the past year, and the number of students as one 
hundred twenty-seven. She declined to continue 
in cliarge of the school for another year. 

Finally, August 18, Mr. H. L. Atldnson of Phil- 
adelphia, Penn., entered into a contract to take 
charge of the school for one year, a considerable 

LOFC 



100 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

portion of last year's faculty remaining'. The 
school went on till the holiday vacation, when Mr. 
Atkinson returned to Philadelphia, was taken 
sick and did not return. The other teachers car- 
ried forward the work to tin' end of the yrar. S<v- 
retary Mercer taking charge of the finances, and 
bringing the s<'hool through to the summer vaca- 
tion in good financial condition, having gen- 
erously given a large amount of time and labor 
without compensation. 

DEAN PENTUFF. 

1899-1901. 

June 24, 1899, Rev. James R. Pentuff was 
elected dean of the institute at a salary of |1,000. 
A graduate of Furman TTniversity and of the 
Louisville Theological Seminary, he afterwards 
studied at the University of Chicago. He was a 
dignified, scholarly young gentleman, and said to 
be a good instructor. Of the old teachers, Mrs. 
Luke, ^Mrs. Royal, ^liss Luke, and Miss Talbot 
I'emained ; the first two, oiu» year; the others, two 
years. Several ucav teachers Avere added but only 
two, ]Mr. Frank L. Rainey and ]\fiss Tora Probst, 
seem to have remained beyond one year, according 
to the annual announcements issued. 

The income had ahvays been inadequate for the 
pro])er maintenance and u]>-keei> of a first class 
academy, de])ending as it did to a considerable 
extent on the tuition of students; especially was 
this the conditi(m in recent years, requiring the 
utmost economy in management, in<luding sala- 
ries of teachers. Mr. Pentuff accepted the head- 
ship with the understanding that the citizens of 
Burlington should contribute by subscription not 



Biirlinytoii Colltyiatc Institute. 101 

less tliau |2,(I00 a year for three years, a percent- 
age of it to be used in the purchase of new books, 
apparatus, and supplies. He was quite successful 
in his effort, reporting at the annual meeting in 
June, 1900, the sum of |7,800 subscribed, and 
even more needed. He also reported an enroll- 
ment of students for the year of one hundred six- 
ty-eight. 

Tlie board had assumed direct management, 
fixing- teacher's salaries and assuming responsi- 
bility for all ex] tenses. The income including the 
subscriptions, it was hoped would be fairly ade- 
quate. Dean Pentuff at the time of his coming 
had taken up the question of the affiliation of the 
Institute with the TTniversity of Ohieago, and the 
Iward had, at the annual meeting in 1899, by resolu- 
tion, heartily approved the project, and author- 
ized tlie executive commiitee to lake the necessary 
steps to bring it about. At the next annual meet- 
ing in 1900, the president of the board reported 
little pi'()i.»,]ess towaid affiliation, and a resolution 
was agaii) ]>nsF^ed I'e-endorsing the project and con- 
ferring full ]iower u]ion the executive committee, 
but the committee found itself powerless, and 
nothing- was done. The dean submitted a report 
urging that immediate provision be made for un- 
paid bills, not apparently realizing that the more 
a]ii)ro])r'iaie appeal would have been from the 
board to the dean, to make bills and means corre- 
spond. So far as the records show neither remedy 
was applied. 

The announcement issued June, 1901, shows an 
enrollment of one hundred eighty-one students for 
the school year. The faculty list shows an entire 



102 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

clianj>o ill tlic teaclnnii force f»x<-ei>t the denn and 
the iiinsic teaeliers. 

The institute opened in September bnt it soon 
became evident that tliere was too wide a gap 
between l)ills and funds. T\y October 12th, resig- 
nations l)e<>an to come from members of the 
facnltv, and on tlie 28tli Dean Pentuff presented 
tlie following : 

I hereby wish to tender to you my resignation as dean, 
trustee, and treasurer of Burlington Institute. The reason 
for this action is sufficiently evident to you. The task of 
building up a school here on the present basis seems now 
to me quite impossible. If a good beginning toward new 
buildings and a permanent endowment could have been 
made before the present term opened, and the incumbranc* 
on the school property paid, the future of the school would 
appear very different. This is what we tried most strenu- 
ously to do but failed. 

At a special meeting of the board hehl October 
31, 1001, it was voted to close the school. 

The board met again NoAendier 1st and ordered 
all i^ersonal i)roperty sold to ]>ay debts, and thns 
ended the history of onr school at Rnrlington. 
The trustees subsequently transferred the pro- 
perperty, or its net proceeds to the American 
Baptist Education society for the benefit of Des 
^foim's ('o]l(\iie, adding ihereby a few thousand 
dollars to its assets. 

Allusion was made on a previous page to the 
retirement of Dr. Johnson from active seiwice for 
the school on his removal to Philadelphia in 1870. 
Ten years later he was again asked by the board 
to assume res])onsibilities and accepted for a time 
the service. Among all the good friends who con- 
tributed to the building and successful work of 
Burlington Institute Dr. Johnson was always 
and easily foremost. From the inception of the 
enterprise in 1851, to its close fifty year$ later he 



Burlington Collegiate Institute. 103 

stood ready to j^ivo tiiiic, tliouglit, meaus, and 
labor to lu^l]) tiic school (o fiiliill its high and holy 
mission. He was a man of profound convictions, 
of marvelous energy, endurance and perseverence. 
He was founder and builder of the school and 
always its enthusiastic friend and helper. He 
was born October 9, 1824, at Trenton Falls, N. Y., 
was a graduate of Madison ITniversity and Hamil- 
ton Theological ^Seminary, the latter in 1848. INIis- 
siouarv zeal brought him to the frontier, then in 
eastern Iowa, the day after Taylor was elected pres- 
ident in November of the same year. For fifty years 
he vrrought heroically, mostly in the west, and 
then lingered four years more, his death occuring 
July 7, 1902, his wife having gone on before, De- 
cember 28, 1898. 

A sentence in the editorial announcement in 
the Standard of ejuly 19, 1902, illustrates the 
sweet spirit of this noble man of God : 

He has continued to make his sick room melodious with 
songs about heaven up to within a few days of his death. 
He passed away fully ready for the beginning of his new 
life, having served faithfully his God and his fellow men 
on earth. 



CHAPTER V. 

Central College 



Tlio folli^win^;' brief history of the founding of 
rViitval Collejue, is taken from ^Trs. Kate Keables 
Beard's liistoi'iral sketoli, pnblishe<l in Central 
Colleiie Alumni Record, Jnlv 20, 1004: 

Refore entering npon our sketch proper, it may not be 
out of place to review briefly the history of educational 
interests among the Baptists of Iowa, preceding the found- 
ing of our institution. 

Tn looking over the annual reports of the Baptist state 
conventions of the early days, we find much of their 
thoughts and efforts was centered upon mission work, home 
and foreign. Educational matters were a secondary con- 
sideration. 

In a new country where there is an imperative call for 
active, aggressive Christian work; sowing the seed of 
Christian truth and doctrine; visiting scattered brethren 
and building them up; organizing and establishing local 
chui'ches; such a state of things is not at all strange — 
indeed it is the true Christian attitude. Nobly and faith- 
fully did the early brethren work for the salvation of 
souls and the liuilding up of the Kingdom. The heart 
glows as one reads of the .iourneys of those early mission- 
aries traveling through forest and over lonely prairie, 
through storm and sunshine, stopping at lonely hamlet and 
bustling village ever and always proclaiming the story of 
the cross. Verily they shall have their reward. 

The yearly meetings were given largely up to listening 
to the reports of these brethren and discussing ways and 
means for carrying out plans suggested by them. One look- 
ing over the field, at this late date is hardly able to ap- 
preciate the pressing exigencies of those early days, and 
can not but express a regret that the early fathers did not 
devote one whole session to the careful consideration of a 

104 




■OLD CENTRAL 



Central College. 105 

definite, permaneui, educutioiicil ijolicy for the state, thus 
averting later complications and making it possible for 
the cause of higher education to advance steadily in keep- 
ing with the wonderful progress of our state. 

AlLhough, as has been said, the cause of education could 
not hold first place, yet we find that as early as the third 
annual meeting a committee was appointed to look into the 
matter of establishing an educational institution. At the 
meeting in 1S46 a motion carried that an institution of 
learning be located at Agency City. At the same meeting 
the motion was reconsidered. The first definite action was 
taken in I80I. The state convention held at Burlington 
appointed a committee, whose duty and privileges were 
defined as follows: 

Resolved, That a committee of five Ije appointed whose 
duty it shall be to make investigations, solicit proposals, 
etc.. with reference to tlie immediate establishment of a 
denominational university in this state, and that this com- 
mittee be authorized to call an educational convention at 
such time and place as they may deem expedient, when the 
whole sul)jert may be considered in detail. 

This committee called a convention to meet at Iowa City, 
April 13, 1852. Owing to tlie condition of the roads few 
delegates were present. However, the matter of founding 
an institution at once was pushed with vigor and by an 
almost unanimous vote the institution was located at Bur- 
lington. The convention had hardly closed its sessions 
when many of those present began to feel that they had 
gone beyond the limits of their instructions, and that they 
had made a mistake in locating a college on the extreme 
border of the state. 

At the next meeting of the state convention held at 
Marion in September, 1852, the committee to whom was 
referred the report on educational matters made the fol- 
lowing statement: 

After due consideration of the ]»roceedings of the com- 
auittee of five appointed at the last session of the Baptist 
state convention of tlie state of Iowa in April last, your 
committee would recommend the passage of the following 
resolution: 

Resolved, That this convention can not sanction the 
proceedings of the educational meeting held at Iowa City, 
April last, in locating an institution of learning. 

Report accepted and adopted. 

The friends of education felt that the subject should not 
1)6 kept in abeyance, but should be agitated until a definite, 
resTilt was ol)tained. At this same session of the state con- 
vention an educational meeting w'as held at which fourteen 
of the thirl v-fo)ir flelegates were present. As a result of 



106 loica Baptist Schools. 

this gathering the following call was issued and a copy- 
sent to every known Baptist church in the state: 

To the Baptist church in : 

Dear Brethren — You are requested to appoint at least 
three delegates, and not more than five, with your pastor, 
to meet delegates ot all other Baptist churches iu the ; tate 
of Iowa, iu a convention to be held at Oskaloosa, Mahaska 
county, Iowa, on Wednesday, the tenth day of November, 
1852, to take into consideration the propriety and expedi- 
ency of locating a college to be owned by and subject to 
Die control of the Baptist denomination of this state. 
Proposals of great value and importance will be made to 
the convention, and it is expected that a location will be 
£>elected before the adjournment of the meeting.^ 

The convention thus called convened at the appointed 
time and place. Possibly realizing the unsatisfactory haste 
and action of the last committee and convention, they 
determined to be more deliberate for we find the following 
resolution spread upon their minutes: 

Resolved, That in viev/ of the inclemency of the weather, 
which has caused a sparse attendance of delegates from 
the churches, it is deemed inexpedient to make a location 
of the college at this time. 

Resolved, That we feel a more lively interest in the cause 
of education than ever, therefore, we recommend the ap- 
pointment of a committee of fifteen (five of whom shall 
constitute a quorum) whose duty it shall be to visit and 
examine the various points within the central portion of 
the state and ascertain what amount of reliable subscrip- 
tions and donations can be secured from each, carefully 
weighing the advantages and disadvantages connected with 
each point which shall offer a site, and report the result 
of their investigations at an adjourned meeting of this 
convention to be held at Pella, Marion county, Iowa, on the 
first Thursday in June next, at 10 o'clock a. m. 

Resolved, That we earnestly solicit every Baptist church 
in the state in connection with our denomination to send 
a delegation of not less than three nor more than five with 
their pastor to said adjourned meeting. 



' The following eighteen names were appended to the call: 
E. O. Towne, .T. C. AVard, G. W. Bond, H. Burnett, A. N. 
Atwood. A. Foulk, E. M. Miles, ,r. Currier, 1. C. Curtis, E. 
Metcalf, John Bates, O, Bperry. John Bond, H. Ritner, C S. 
Hampton, S. Avers, P.. Swnn, F. .\. Barker. 



Central College. 107 

The committee provided lor in tlie resolutions was ap- 
pointed, and the convention adjourned, i 

Pursuant to adjournment, the convention met in Pella, 
June 2, 1853, at lU o'clock, a. m. The introductory ser- 
mon WHS preached Ijy Brother Turton of Farmington, after 
which the convention was called to order by the president, 
H. A. Ritner. 

Delegates being called for appeared and took their 
seats as follows: 

From Drigliton, William Elliott; Aurora, 1. C. Curtis, S. 
S. Mangrum, «nd J. .Miller; Union, M. Reynolds; Oskaloosa 
church. Milton Stoner; Oskaloosa city, D. .J. Guthridge; 
Bonaparte, i'l O. Towne; l<'armington, \V. H. Turton; Dan- 
ville, H. A. Ritner: Ijibertyville, P. Goff. Brethren and 
friends present not delegates from churches were invited 
to take seats in the convention and to participate in its 
deli berai ions, vvliich invitation was accepted by .J. A. Nash, 
of Fort Des Aloiues; H. P. Scholte, A. E. D. Bousquet, and 
Prof. L. Dwight, of Pella. Communications relative to the 
object of the convention were received from G. S. Hampton 
of Iowa City, B. Luce of Fort Des Moines, and D. Jewett 
of Farmington. The minutes were read and approved. 
References were made Ijy several members of the conven- 
tion to the wishes of brethren and churches in different 
parts of the state. Propositions for the location of an insti- 
tution of learning under the direction and auspices of the 
Baptist denomination were read from Oskaloosa and Pella, 
each of v,hich was particularly considered Ijy the conven- 
tion. The question, "Shall we proceed to locate?" was then 
considered and the following resolution passed: 

Resolved. That the interests of the denomination, the cir- 
cumstances by which we are surrounded, and the wants 
of the rising generation of our state call loudly upon this 



' There were the following named twenty-one delegates 
present at this Oskaloosa meeting: 

H. A. Ritner and E. Cady, Danville. 

A. Fisher. Brighton. 

J. Waldriss, Steady Run. 

J. Bond and X. Davis, Oskaloosa. 

G. W. Bond. .J. .Jones, G. Jones, and William Jones, Knox- 
ville. 

I. C. Curtis, F. A. Barker, A. Foulk, B. F. Millen, and 
J. Millen, near Pella. 

A. N. Atwood. T. Corner, M. P. Crowder, and J. Jeffrey, 
Middle Creek, near Oskaloosa. 

P. Goff, Lil^ertyville. 

E. O. Towne, Bonaparte. 



108 Towa Baptist Schools. 

convention to locate an institution of learning at the 
present time. 

After the subject had been seriously and patiently con- 
sidered and before putting tire question it was proposed 
that the convention spend some time in prayer to Almighty 
God for direction. Brother Elliott led the conventii.n in 
prayer. The resolution was then unanimously adopted. 

Propositions were received from Oskaloosa and Pella. 
The proposition from Pella was to put up a building suit- 
able for a college, and to donate it and a large campus to 
the Baptist denomination of Iowa. This proposition 
together with the beautiful site of the proposed location 
was strongly urged. Both the Oskaloosa and Pella proposi- 
tions had been duly considered, when it was resolved, 

That this convention do now proceed to vote by ballot 
upon the question, but before doing so a sliort time be 
spent in prayer. Brother Turton leading. 

It was then agreed that the churches near Oskaloosa 
should be entitled to the same number of votes as those 
near Pella, and that the question be determined by simply 
voting for one place or the other, as they were the only 
contending points. The ballots being examined, the pres- 
ident declared the decision to be in favor of Pella, where- 
upon it was unanimously resolved that Pella be the place 
of location. A committee of three was then appointed to 
draft articles of incorporation and constitution. 

Articles of iueoi'poratiou Avere prepared and 
sigiied. Two of the articles are appended to 
show the purpose of the incorporators ; 

Article II. Name and object. The name and style of this 
incorporation shall be the Central University of Iowa, and 
its object shall be the establishment and holding and gov- 
ernment of a literary and theological institution at Pella 
under the particular auspices of the Baptist denomination. 

Article X. Amendments. The board of trustees shall 
have power, at any regular meeting, to amend these 
articles, provided due notice shall have been given to all 
the members, of the proposed amendment; and it shall 
pass by a majority vote, except that part of article second, 
which defines the object of the incorporation, and that part 
of article fourth, which requires that twenty-four memljers 
of the board shall be members of Baptist churches, and 
which shall be unalterable. 

The conventou also appointed a hoard of 
trustees of thirty memhers. This board ori>jmizpd 
at once by the election of the following officers : 



Central College. 109 

president, Rev. H. P. Scliulte; vice-presideut, W. 
Nossamau; secretary, Kev. 1. O. Curtis; treasurer, 
J. Smeiuk. Au executive committee was ap- 
pointed to consist of the above named officers, and 
the three following named additional members: 
L. C (Jonrey, Ira Kelsey, and B. F. Miller; also 
a committee to commence the work of erecting a 
suitable building. A resolution was adopted to 
open the academic department of the school as 
soon as practicable. 

At the first annual boanl meeting held in June, 
1JS54, plans were made to secure the necessary 
teaching force, and, even though the college build- 
ing was not ready for occupancy, to open the 
academical department of the university in Sep- 
tember of thai year. Hev. K. H. Scarff, of Dayton, 
Ohio, who hail been higlily recommended, was 
secured as [uincipal of the departuient, with Miss 
Julia Toljuau, of the Monticello Seuiinary, aud Mr. 
(/ah'lt rnhlwcll, of Marietta College, as assistants. 

The school w as advertised to open on the 17th of 
Se}>tember, but when the principal arrived upon 
the tiebl of action a short time before. tliis date, he 
found scanty pre]>arations had been luade. How- 
ever, willing hearts and active hands co-operated, 
and in a short time most satisfactory results were 
api>arent. A school room was secured four blocks 
Avest of tlic juiblic sqtuire on Washington street. 
It was a two-story brick abotit 20 by 30, and with- 
out piirtitions. Dr. Scarff writes: 

The scliool furnitme was still growing iu the Des Moines 
timber, .vet in three weeks after our arrival in Pella the 
timber was cut, drawn to the mill, sawn into lumber, made 
into two-seated desks, and placed in the school room. 

Thus su|>)>licd with teachers, school room, and 

furuituic, tlic juademical department of Central 



110 loiva Baptist Schools. 

University was opened to students October 8, 1854, 

I (^■au do no better than present a picture of those 

first daj's in the words of Dr. Scarff : 

The enrollment the first day was only thirty-seven. I 
quote from memory: quite a number of these were from 
abroad, the nine American resident families then in Pella 
gave us a few, and the Holland families tlie rest of our 
patronage. This small beginning was, liowever, increased 
almost daily, till at the close of the term our enrollment 
had attained to seventy-three. This was one of Iowa's most 
prosperous years. The crops were good, money wys plenty, 
and the immigration large. This last was most favorable 
to our infant school. About twenty of these immigrant 
families wintered in Pella and gave the school their 
patronage — there was no other American Echoul in town 
that winter. 

Though most of our students were young men and 
women, they range doAvn from these classes to beginners 
in the common branches. In those days school privileges 
^ ere of a very inferior nature. Many teachers did not 
pretend to teach English gramnaar. and many who did make 
the pretence, did it with the dictionary ever open before 
them, in order to determine the part of speech a word 
might happen to be marked; from the dictionary there 
could be no appeal. 



PRINCIPAL SCARFF S ADMINISTRATION, 

1854-1857. 



Principal Scarff submitted his first annual re- 
port showing that the preparatory department 
was opened October 8, 1854, th«^ instruetioii beiiK-: 
given by himself and two assistants, Mr. C. I). 
Caldwell, and Miss Julia E. Tolman, and that the 
first academic year closed May 29, 1855, with an 
enrollment of one hundred twenty-two stud- 
(mts, seventy-one boys and fifty-one girls. 

Prof. Scarff remained at the head of the school 
for two years more, assisted by Miss Tolninn, Mr. 
Caldwell, and Inter by Mr. Waterman. 



Central College. Ill 

The secoud aiiiuial ineetiug of the board con- 
veued Jime 7, 1855. Kev. I. O. Curtis, the tiiiau- 
cial agent, submitted liis report, showing three 
mouths' service with bil! of .|125 i'oi- saljuy. 

Secretary E. O. Towne reported as folk)ws: 

Efforts to pusli forward the building of tlie college 
editice liave lieeii made, but partly on account of the sub- 
scriptions for this ol)ject Ijeing iu yearly payments, and 
partly on account of tightness in the money market, the 
necessary funds could not ))e raised to accomplish that 
which otherwise might have been done. While we have 
failed in completing the building which was so much to be 
desired, it is a source of gratification to your committee 
tliat the valuable services of Rev. E. H. Scarf f as principal 
of the i)reparatory department have been obtained. The 
school was opened last Octo))er. It was well attended, 
considering the want of suital)le accommodations. 

The sublime faith and courage of those hardy 
young pioneers wiio began a half century ago to 
lay foniidations in Iowa, is well illustiaicil by the 
following excerpt: 

Your committee on endowment would present the fol- 
lowing as their report: Having examined with some care 
the plan of endowment at the last meeting of the Ijoard. we 
are decidedly of the opinion that it is altogether feasil)Ie, 
and admirably calculated to secure the highest prosperity 
and success of the school. The income of fifty thousand 
dollars well secui'ed and invested at ten per cent, will 
amount to five thousand dollars a year. This sum will 
pay the salaries of the following teachers: 

A president at $1,000, two professors (at $750) $1,500, 
two tutors (at $500) $1,000, one female ))rincipal at $500, 
and three females assistants (at $333,33) $1,000; total, 
$5,000. 

On the sui)position that every one of the five hundred 
scholarships are full at any one time, and that there are 
in the school no paying scholarships aside from tliose on 
scholarships at the same time, the above faculty of nine 
teachers would be amply sufficient to give instruction to 
five hundred pupils. We would recommend that efficient 
measures be taken for filling up at the earliest possible day 
the endowment, putting the school in operation upon this 
basis. In behalf of the committee, E. H. Scarff, chairman. 



112 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

In a country where everything was in the be- 
ginning, where there was little money of any kind, 
eren for home building or support, and indeed of 
what little there was, except a small fraction in 
gold, no one could be sure that the money that he 
received today from his scanty store of produce 
would be good tomorrow; yet every locality was 
tilling up with newcomers, and already there 
were, as the above shows, plenty of young people 
ready and eager to enter the first school. If some 
seer had risen up in that enthusiastic l)oaid meet- 
ing and expressed the opinion that after the lapse of 
a half century their grandchildren a\ ould still be 
struggling to secure that |50,000 endowment, he 
would have been laughed at, if nothing more. If, 
however, he could have divined some of the other 
results of those early builders, such as the steady 
flow of students to tlie halls, and class rooms of 
their founding, with all its helpful training in 
knowledge, and character and power for the ensu- 
ing half century the total issue would present 
another aspect. 

Any study of Iowa Baptist history reveals the 
constant recurrence to the discussion of its educa- 
tional problems. The misfortune has been that 
such discussion has been focussed on the merits 
or claims of our denominational schools, rather 
than on the need and value of such education to 
the denomination. IS'early all of our denomina- 
tional organizations are for missionary purposes 
purely, and the introduction of divisive topics, 
however important, tends to depress and hinder 
their proper work. This fact has frequent illus- 
tration in our Iowa history. 

In 1856, when the &tate convention v\'as held 




REV. EMANUEL HENGSTENBERG SCARFF, D. D. 



Central College. 113 

with the church iu Fremout, Mahaska icounty, 
Rev. J. C. Burroughs, president of the Uuiversity 
of Chicago, visited the convention as correspond- 
ing delegate from the Illinois General association. 
He was asked to give an account of the origin and 
present condition of that university, at the close 
of which 

Brother Brenton Hughes offered a set of resolutions hav- 
ing reference to the educatioual interests of the state. 
Alter several substitutes had been offered and rejected or 
withdrawn, the following offered by Brother Gunu was 
adopted : 

Resolved, That while the action of a large number of 
ahsucialious in this state has been such as to indicate 
sufficiently that a large majority of the Baptists of Iowa 
are disposed to support the institution located at Pella, yet 
in view of the paramount importance of our domestic 
mission work, we do not think it on the whole best to take 
any further action iu this body on the subject/ 

PKINCIPAL GUNX'S ADMINISTRATION, 

1857-1862. 

In the summer of 1857, Kev. Elihu Gunn, an 
alumnus of Colgate, and of Hamilton Theological 
t?eminary, N. Y,, avIio had been pastor at Keokuk 
since October 1819, >\as elected principal and as- 
sumed the headship of the school. Hon. Joseph 
K. Horuish, an alumnus of Colgate, a\ ho had 
come to Keokuk in 1855, gave the uniAersity |10,- 
000 this year to endow the president's chair. 
Amos N. Cunier a recent graduate of Dartmouth, 
had been added to the faculty at the opening of 
the si)ring term. 

In the catalogue issued at the close of the 
s:]M)oi \<'iM\ one Inmdred ninety students were en- 
rolled, one hundred nine gentlemen nnd eiolify- 

^ Iowa Baptist Annual, 185fi, p. 10. 



114 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

one ladies. Among the list is noticed the names 
of 10im']v l'\ Speirv and Xathan ( '. Townc, lamil- 
iar ar-d honored names in later Iowa history, also 
Hjivester S. Howell, who later became a teacher 
in the college. The catalogue names the follow- 
ing faculty for the ensuing year: Rev. Elihu 
Gunn, A. M., principal; A. ^. Currier, A. B., 
Greek and Latin; John Peter Peters, A. M., 
French; and Miss Fllen E. Mitchell, and Mrs. 
Amy U. Gunn. 

Miss Mitchell later went to the foreign held as 
a missionary to Burma \>'here she served for 
many years in medical missionary work. Her 
home was still at ^lonlmein in 1898. 

The catalogue i'oi i8o8-18-"')9, gives ihr name oi 
a new teacher, Mrs. D. C. A. Stoddard, a graduate 
of Troy l'\>mah' Academy, X. V., and a iMMuiiicd 
missionar}^ from India, as principal of the ladies' 
department. The roll shows sixty-five gentlemen 
and thirty-five ladies, ten collegate, thirty pre- 
paratory, sixty academic; total, one hundred. 

In this list appears the name of David Ryan, 
from Prairie City, who remained in the school 
till the war broke out, when he enlisted in the 8th 
Iowa Infantry, was captured at the battle of Shi- 
loh, and remained many months in southern pris- 
ons. He later rose to the rank of colonel, and at 
the close of the war was elected to the Eleventh 
General Assembly from his county, entered the 
profession of law, and in 1866 was elected district 
judge, Nerving several terms. Judge Ryan was a 
splendid example of the best typii of American 
citizen. Doubtless his early training and associa- 
tions at Central College oontribnied its full share 
to his excellent record. 



Central College, 11 5 

For the year 1850 00 a <'atalogiie Mas also issued. 
Prof. Scarff occupied the chaii' of iijatheuiatics, 
H. Neyenesch became instructor of Geriuau and 
French, and C O. (^orey teichei* of vocal music. 
The list of student.s gives: gentlemen, twenty-two 
collegiate, seventeen preparatory, sixty-two aca- 
demic, thirty-three primary; ladies, nineteen col- 
legiate, forty-eight preparatory, twenty-six prima- 
ry. Total two hundred twenty-seven. In this list 
is seen the name of H. G. Curtis, another Iowa 
bov \\h«) left ]jis classes to carry the musivet 
against the revolt of a slave holding oligarchy 
bent on either rule or ruin. He too brought home 
the iiisip,nia of brave and brilliant service, a major'f^ 
coiiiiiiissioii, and lived to honor his profession 
and his alma mater. 

The Central Record of July 3, 1861, gives the 
faculty about the same as the previous year, and 
the number of students two hundred twenty. 
Here appears at least one other Central hero of 
the civil war, Capt. E. G, Barker, a generous ben- 
efactor of the college in later years. 

At the opening of the war in 1861 many of the 
students responded to the call for volunteers, and 
at the close of the summer term in 1862 there was 
not an able bodied man of sufficient age to bear 
arms left in the school. One hundred fourteen 
students had enlisted in the army and two teach- 
ers. Profs. A. N. Currier and S. S. Howell. 

The school greatly decimated by the war, lost 
most of its financial support, and in 1862 Presi- 
dent Gunn resigned to return to the ministry. 
"His energetic labors in the school and through 
the state, had gathered students from every quar- 
ter. His s])irited gospel sermons were blessed in 



116 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

the salvatiou of in;)."v souls. The blessed revival 
spirit of those yea . > remaius as a sacred legacj^ to 
the iustitiition/' says oue writer. Dr. Gumi was 
boiu Jauuary o, 1818, at Montague, Mass., aud 
died at Fort Seott, Kan., October 31, 1895, at the 
ripe age of seveuty-eig'it after a most useful life 
in the ministry. 

j'];i;sii)!;.\T scauff's seco.nd akmimstkatiox. 

1862-18.71. 

With the departure of i)r. (Juim, Trof. ^Seartf 
Avas again placed at the head, and the school for 
the next three years was chiefly under his instruc- 
tion aud that of Mrs. Stoddard. Prof. Scarff 
says the school did not miss, a term during the 
long A\ ar period, Init that Nvliik' the hoys weic in 
the army the scliool kept on graduating girls, 
though more boys fell in battle than girls were 
graduated. 

Though thv school was kept up, the (h'hts con- 
tiuued to grow. 

Rev. Ira J. Stoddard served the college eight years as 
financial secretary and treasurer without compensation. He 
traveled at his own charges in the interest of the college, 
especially in 1864 and 18 65 to save it from impending 
ruin, which was averted by the liquidation of a $12,000 
debt. 

In 1865 Prof. Currier returned from the army and re- 
sumed his place in the school. For ten years, minus his 
four on the tented field, as scholar, teacher, and disciplina- 
rian, he i)roved that he was a college Iniilder of the first 
class in every respect, and that he had no superior in his 
profession. 

He served until called in 1S(>7 to lli«' chair of 
J^atin in the stat<' uuivcTsity. 

At the clo.sc of the war many of the former 
studciils returned, aud the school ^^ as g]-eatly en- 
larged. In the catalogue i>ublished in June, 



Central College. IIT 

1865, the student list was reported as follows, not 
couutiug duplicates: Collegiate, gentlemen live; 
ladies thirty-one; academic, gentlemen eighty- 
nine, ladies ninety-seven; total, two hundred 
tAveuty-two. 

The teachers were: E. H. SScarii", A. N. Currier, 
F. W. Corliss, S. S. Howell, Mrs. D. C. A. Stod- 
dard, J. B. Cotton and Miss Mary P. Johnson. 

This year's catalogue contains the army list of 
the institution, and a most creditable one it is in 
fact, of the ;;allaut boys who left the school to 
help save their country . They laid down the 
books and took up the muskets thinking only of 
home and country and right. When they came 
back four years later, one, David Ryan, was a 
colonel; eight, C. J. Amos, E. G. Barker, J. A. P. 
Hampsou, Albert Hobbs, Warren Olney, William 
A. Rankin, John L. Ruckman, and William A. 
Stuart were captains; H. G. Curtis was adjutant. 
Two teachers, A. N. Currier, and S. S. Howell, 
and fourteen students had won lieutenants' shoul- 
der straps; seveuteen were non-commissioned offi- 
cers, and seventy-one enlisted men made the total 
one hundred fourteen. Ten of this number, 
though, had falleu on the field of battle ne\er to 
return, and eleven had succumbed to disease. 

For the year liS(J5-l!St)0, tlie facility leiiiained, 
with two or three exceptions. Miss Ellen E. 
Mitchell, who later went as a missionary to Bur- 
ma, becomes principal of the female department, 
and Miss Fannie Barker takes charge of history 
and geography, with Miss Lizzie W. Cleveland in 
instrumental nnisic, C. C. Corey becomes princi-^ 
pal of the grammar school. 



118 loiva Baptist Schools. 

. Three were graduated, seventy-six were report- 
ed in tlie scientific and ladies course, fifteen in 
preparatory, and two liuudred nineteen in gram- 
mar school, making a total of three hundred thir- 
teen. 

Key. and Mrs. Ira E. Stoddard had come to 
I'ella in 1S5S, on their return from India on ac- 
count of his broken health. Mrs. Stoddard at 
once took up her work in the school as lady princi- 
pal. She ^^■as in the prime of life, an experienced 
teacher of scholarly- habits and fine presence. 
During her eight years service at this time her in- 
fluence over students was very marked and al- 
ways helpful. Many of them learned to love her 
and have treasured the memory of this noble 
woman long after her great heart had responded 
to appeals to duty elsewhere. 

Mrs. Anna Howell Clarkson, the brilliant wife 
of Hon. James S. Clarkson, of Xew York City, 
has written a loving tribute to her old teacher, 
entitled. A Uenutitul Life, au iuteresiiug volume 
published by the state historical department of 
Iowa. Mrs. Clarkson is the daughter of Dr. John 
G. Howell, for many years a prominent attorney 
of Pella, and was a member of the class of 1867. 

In the spring of 1866, Mrs. Stoddard felt it her 
duty to lay down her college work and return 
with her husbaud to their labors among the Garos 
of India. Tliey remained about seven years, 
when failing health again required their return to 
this country. Coming to Pella, Iowa, Dr. Stod- 
dard served Central College for some twelve years 
as financial secretary or treasurer, and recently 
removed to the east. 



Central College. 119 

The following year the instructors remained 
about the same, one or two being added who 
taught part time. There were four graduates; 
sixty-four in the scientific and ladies' course, 
eighteen preparatory, . and two hundred nine in 
the grammar school; total, two hundred ninety- 
five. 

Miss Kate F. Keables' name appears in the list 
of students. She afterwards gave long and distin- 
guished service as a teacher in the college. 

PRESIDENT Dunn's administration. 

1871-1881. 

At the annual meeting in June 1870. tlie board 
resolved to raise |10,000 as the nucleus of an en- 
dowment fund. The effort was successful. At 
the annual meeting of the board iu -lum', 1871, 
the |10,000 having been secured, the board resolv- 
ed to prosecute the work of end<jAvment, and elect- 
ed Rev. L. A. Dunn of Fairfax, Vt., president of 
the college. At the opening of the winter term he 
delivered his inaugural and entered upon his 
labors. 

The faculty consisted this year, 1871-1872, of 
the president, Prof. Scarff, Prof. William H. 
Smith, Mrs. D. C. A. Stoddard, Miss M. C. Man- 
ning, Prof. Cotton and Miss A. E. Cotton. The 
number of students was: academic, one hundred 
thirteen; music, one hundred nineteen. S. F. 
Prouty was one of the students. Five years later 
iie completed his course, began teaching Latin 
and science in the college, and not many years 
afterwards had won front rank at Des IMoines as 
a lawyer, jurist, and platform orator. 



120 loica Baptist Schools. 

The reports of the superintendent of public in- 
struction give the number of students enrolled for 
1873-1874, as thirtj'-tive in college work and Hfty- 
uine preparatory, with a total of two hundred 
forty. In 1874-1875, the total was two hundred 
tifty-eight. Mis.s M. (\ Planning, after teacliing 
live years in the college, went in 1874 to Hurma 
as a missionary, and tauglil iii iiaiigoou rollcgc. 

In 1875, occurred tlie death of Kev. E. O. 
Towne, one of the earliest and best friends of Cen- 
tral, and one of its tirst secretaries. Rev. Scarff 
preached his funeral sermon. 

A catalogue issued during the first term of the 
school year, 1875-187(), names the following 
faculty: Kev. L. A. Dunn, D. D., president, men- 
tal and moral science, Ilev. E. H. Scarff, mathe- 
matics and natural science, Rev. Albert Lough- 
ridge,^ A. ]>., languages, Rev. K. A. Ostegren, A. B., 
classics, Mrs. 1). C. A. Stoddard, prin(ii)al of 
ladles' department. Miss E. (\ Hunt, Latin and 
math(Mnatics, ^Nliss Lucy A. Dunn, preparatory 
department. Prof. J. B. Cotton, music, Miss A. E. 
Cotton, misic, and W. H. Price, penmansliip. 

» A star placed after Prof. Loughridge's name directs at- 
tention to the line at bottom of page, "Resigned at close of 
summer term for a foreign field." 

Neitlier tliis good man nor his saintly companion could quite 
satisfy their abiding sense of duty to remain at home even 
in performance of the real and elTective missionary service 
they were already performing, in face of the greater mil to 
the distant Telugu mission. After ten years' service there, 
climate compelling a change. Prof. Loughridge returned to 
school and missionary work at Burlington College, and 
later at the State Normal at Cedar Falls, Iowa. From this 
work he was called in 1898 by the American Baptist Home 
Mission Society to the headship of Bishop College, Marshall, 
Texas, until the apparent recovery of Mrs. T^oughridge's 
health again iuii)elled them to return to the perishing 
Tf^lugus. A still later Itreakdown again brought them home 
in the hoi)f' of prolonging life and service. 




JORDAN HALL OP NATURAL SCIENCE. 



Central College. 121 

111 I )(H'enibei', 1875, lv(n . l'\ Adkiiis, who had 
been pastor at Iowa City since 1870, entered the 
faenlty temporarily to till a vacancy, and remained 
until 1877. He was a man of scholarly attain- 
ments, genial si)irit, and an admirable teacher. 
The catalogue names three hundred fifty-six stu- 
dents, but there are many duplications, and the 
list appears to contain the names of students en- 
rolled for at least a part of two school years. 

The catalogue ]>ublished in the autumn of 1877, 
contains the new names of ^^. F. Prouty, A. B., 
who had just completed his course in the college, 
as yu'ofessor of Latin and natural science, Rev. H. 
Jl. Schermcrhoru, A. ^I., in rhetoric, and !\liss 
^fartha E. Rudd, another member of this year's 
class, as instructor in Greek and mathematics; a 
list of students also, of two consecutive years. 

In 1879, Dr. Scarff resigned on account of par- 
tial paralysis, and at the annual meeting June 10, 
when his retireuKmt was announced, tlie lioard 
ndo]»ted the following resolutions: 

Whereas Rev. Dr. Scarff has been compelled on account 
of severe and protracted bodily affliction to resign his posi- 
tion as professor of mathematics which for so many years 
he has successfully and satisfactorily filled, and, 

Whereas, the institution owes much of its present pros- 
lierity and standing, if not, its very existence to his influ- 
ence, clinging to it in its days of adversity as well as 
Itrosperity. and often with but small pecuniary reward. 
Therefore. Resolved, That while accepting his resignation 
we express our regrets at the necessity which compels him 
to sever his connection with our lioard of trustees. 

He had served the college for twenty-four 
years, fourteen years as nominal head of the 
school. Prof. I. M. DeLong, A, B., took his place 
in mathematics. Miss Rudd remained two years 
as instructor in Greek and mathematics, and then 



122 _ Iowa Baptist Schools. 

resigDed. Later she taught in Burlington insti- 
tute for two years, 1883-1884. 

President Dunn served faithfully until 1881, 
when he resigned because of advanced age, and a 
desire to secure relief from responsibilities of 
leadership. He afterwards spent a year in the 
Orient, and published a book entitled, The Foot- 
steps of the Redeemer, an interesting and valu- 
able little work describing his observations and 
conclusions from a visit in the Holy Land. 

PRESIDENT GARDNER^S ADMINISTRATION, 

1881-1884. 

In February 1881, the management of the uni- 
versity was reorganized by the choice of Rev. 
George W. Gardner, D. D., as president, and Mr. 
T. E. Balch as chancellor, with full charge of all 
financial interests. At the same time it was de- 
termined to raise ]iermnnent endowments to the 
amount of |1 00,000. Mi'. Balch took up his 
work in June following, and soon succeded in 
placing the finances of the college in a much im- 
proved condition. Debts were paid, current ex- 
penses met, and considerable endowment secured 
under his energetic labors. President Gardner 
had the courses of study re-arranged, enlarged, 
and strengthened. Numerous and valuable addi- 
tions were made to the library; the reading room 
was su]iplied with a good selection of the best 
magazines. The laboratories were strengthened 
by the addition of a new 3.5 inch reflecting tele- 
scope, microscopes, surveyors' compass, and sets 
of chemicals and apparatus. The catalogue is- 
sued in 1882 gave the names of the faculty in addi- 



Central College. 123 

tioii to ]H('si(leiit (Tarduer. as follows: Kobeit IT. 
Tripp, ^i. A., Latin; Ira ]M. DeLoug, M. A., mathe- 
matics; Alfred B. Trice, M. A., physical science; 
Mrs. S. L. Thickstnn, lady principal; Miss Leona 
Call, Greek and French; ]Miss Ada G. Gardner, 
rhetoric and English; Miss Kate F. Keables, 
mnsic; ]Miss Garrie L. Thickstnn, English. 

A mnch more advanced class of stndents was at-' 
tracted to the school. The fonr college classes were 
all represented. We see the familiar names of Snsie 
J. Pratt, of New Harford, who completed the clas- 
sical conrse that year, Gyrenns Gole, and John S. 
Xollen, of Pella, among them. There were two 
gradnate students, thirty-six collegiate, fifty pre- 
paratory, thirty-six English academic, and four- 
teen in music; a total of one hundred thirty-six. 

President Gardner and Chancellor P>alch work- 
ed heroically to build U]) the school and make it 
worthy of the patronage of the denomination in 
Iowa, and to place its finances on a solid basis. At 
the end of three years. Dr. Gardner's health was so 
broken that he was compelled to surrender his 
work and seek rest . Mr. Raich continued his 
efforts a year or two longer, when he, too, found 
it necessary to lay down his work and seek rest. 
Roth of these men did a heroic service for the col- 
lege, and gave a new impetus to its work. The en- 
dowment fund was materially increased during 
this period. ^liss Amv R. Harris of the class of 
18S4, later went to Rurnia, as a missionary, and 
in 1891, she was serving at Rassein, and continued 
till her health failed. Miss Ada G. Gardner who 
taught English and rhetoric was a daughter of 
President Gardner. Another daughtei% a young 
woman of unusual ability and accomplishments, 



124 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

married Dr. Edmund (J. Spinney, who was for sev- 
eral years pastor in Iowa, and president at Bur- 
linofon. Dr. Gardner harl been tlie first iniuripal 
of Colby Academy, New^ London, Conn., to which 
place he returned on his retirement from the col- 
lege, and later taught again in the academy. He 
was born at Pomfret, Vt., October 8, 1828, and 
died at New London, April 27, 1895. 

ACTING PRESIDENT TRIPP 'S ADMINISTRATION, 
1884-1885. 

In 1884 Prof. Tripp was ])laced at the head of 
the school as acting president, with a good faculty 
to support him, as follows: I. M. DeLong, Leona 
Call, Mrs. M. R. Tripp, Frederick Hall, John Lear, 
Kafe F. Keables, and Ellen A. Hewins. The cata- 
logue issued late in 1884 gives the whole number 
of different students for the three terms of the 
calendar year 1884, as follows: college forty-two, 
preparatory thirty-nine, acarlemic fifty-six, art 
thirty-two, music fifteen, special eighteen, total, 
excluding duplicates, one eighty-seven. Prof. 
Tripp was a most excellent teacher, and a man of 
good administrative ability. After leaving Pella 
he was in charge of the Iowa City academy for a 
number of years. 

PRESIDENT read's ADMINISTRATION. 
1885-1886. 

T?ev. Daniel Read, LL. D., was made president 
in 1885, retaining substantially the same faculty 
as the previous year. Chancellor Balch retired, 
and was replaced by ^Mr. S. F. Prouty ; Pev. W. H. 
Dorward also becoming financial agent. 



Central College. 125 

Dr. Kead had seived witli juicat ability as [nesi- 
dent of Sliuitleff Pollege, for fourteen years, siir- 
renderino- tlmt work in 1870 because of broken 
health. But his early love of school work and its 
associations had never waned, and he accepted the 
call to Tentral Tollege. His coming, however, 
])rove<l to be coincident with quite a state wide 
sentiment and movement in favor of concentrating 
college work at one point in the state. He was 
drawn into the movement and gave it his asseiit, 
and when the verdict favored Des Moines he re- 
signed and re-entered the ministry, where he served 
wHli distinction the remainder of his life; for a 
period of years at Los Angeles, Oal. He died at 
Emi)oria, Kas., ^Nfay 27, 1S9P, t the advanced age 
of seventy-three. 

The number of students reported in the cat- 
alogue of 1885-1886 was considerably less than for 
the preceding year. Twenty-eight were reported 
in college, thirty-nine in academy, with a total, no!" 
counting duplicates, of one hundred and twenty- 
six. 

PRESIDENT DUNNES SECOND ADMINISTRATION. 

1886-1888. 

Ex-President Dunn was again placed at the 
head, and remained for two years more, until 
Thanksgiving day, November 29, 1888, when he 
entered into his rest. Dr. Dunn won a very wide 
circle of friends and admirers during his seventeen 
years' residence in Iowa. He was an earnest, 
honest, faithful, hard working, good man. He de- 
voted himself with great assiduity and wisdom to 
the interests of the college, and accomplished more 



12(> Iowa Baptist iivhools. 

for it than any other in its history. After his 
death the board placed on record appreciative 
resolutions, from which we quote the following as 
typical : 

That coming to us as he did at first in the days of great 
need, serving as only an earnest, unselfish man could, in 
the Interest of the institution and returning in 188 6 in a 
time of sore distress looking always to the prosperity of 
the institution, and being evei- desirous to step out when 
he thought another could do more, or to step in the gap 
when no one else could well do so, he has proved himself 
to be to Central University as much a father as a president. 
We highly appreciate the manner In which he ever dealt 
with the questions which agitated this board in the manage- 
ment of Its affairs, and mourn in his death as children for 
a father. 

In the catalogue of 1887 a number of changes 
are reported in the list of teachers, but the new 
names disappear in the next catalogue. The num- 
ber of students reported is 153. Among the num- 
ber Dwight C. Townsend and Cyrenus Cole com- 
plete their course. One entered the ministry, the 
other has since made an enviable record in news- 
paper work in Iowa. 

PRESIDENT AXTELL^S ADMINISTRATION^ 

1888-1890. 

In 1888 Rev. S. J. Axtell, A. M., became pres- 
ident nnd remained some two years, when he re- 
signe«l to accept a professorship nt Kalamazoo Col- 
lege, Kalamazoo, Mich. The second year he was 
assisted in the faculty by Rev. John Stuart, Ph. D., 
in mental and moral science, and Bible studies; 
John P. Baerecke, Ph. D., mathenmtics, French 
and German, Kate F. Keables, Rev. F. W. Gardner, 
and Carrie Edmond. 



Central Colhye. 127 

PRESIDENT STUART'S ADMINISTRATION, 

1890-1895. 

In 1800 Rev. John Stnart became president. In 
the oalalogne of 1801 liis associates are named as 
folknvs : Itev, John J). IUut, moral science and 
sacred literatnre; Miss Kate F. Keables, Latin; 
William AV. Cook, mathematics and science; Miss 
Lnella -McCnll.y; John A. Munsen; and Miss Sarah 
M. Stnart. Abont 120 students were reported, be- 
sides some S])ecial. students in music. 

In the cataloiiue for 1893 the names of two new 
teachers a])pear, Miss Martha Firth, history and 
En^^lish, and Fred E. ^lorjTjan, Greek and science. 
The number of students re])orted is, literary and 
Biblical 107, music 73, total 210. 

The followino- yea]''s catalogue names about the 
same faculty, and ogives an unclassified list of stu- 
denls for 1803-91, includinii' music students, of 175. 
The number of students rei)orted foi' 1891-95 was 
114, unclassified. 

Dr. Stuart was born in Scotland. He came to 
]*(^lla ill 1889 as pastor of the Ba])tist church. A 
year later he was made acting- president, remaining 
president until 1895, during which time he literally 
wore liimself out with his incessant Avork, and was 
obliged to resign. 

TRESIDENT CHAFFEE'S AD:\riNISTRATION, 

1895-1899. 

In 1895 Rev. Arthur B. Chaffee, D. I)., a grad- 
uate of Princeton College, and of Rochester Theo- 
logical Seminary, was elected i)resident, coming 
from a pastorate at South Bend, lud. He had pre- 



1-8 loiva Baptist Schools. 

viouslv (Kcupicil the chjiir of L;iliii;i( I'ljiokliii < 'ol- 
lejio of that state for a series of years. President 
Chaffee tanf»ht mental and soeial philosophy, an<l 
had with him in his faenlty: Rev. Gilbert E. Farr, 
T5. Ph., moral science and P»iblical literatnre; IMiss 
Keahles, Mr. Cook, Miss Firth, and otlier instrnc- 
tors. Rev. D. C Townsend was financial ai^ent. 

The oriifinal charter of Central ITniyej.^ify iiro- 
vided for the "establishment and holdinc^ and gov- 
ernment of a literary and theoloGjical institution in 
Pella, under the particular auspices of the P>aptist 
denomination." This institution has always been 
true to tliis purpose by ]irovidin,o- liberally for P>ildo 
and theolosfical instruction, by tryinc: to mnke it 
n distinctly Christian school, and by tenchiu"; thnt 
the noblest life is a life of faith in Jesus Christ. 
Courses have jienerally been mainlained in P>ible 
and church history, in theolooy, Christian ev- 
idences, and church i^olity, for both youns; men 
and younnjf women, sometimes doubtless amono- iiu- 
matnre students, the purpose beiu"' to prepare the 
former for the ministry, and the latter for mission 
work. 

A reliofious atmosphere has always pervaded this 
school to the pric^eless advantniije of manv of its 
students. The first year of Dr. Chaffee's headship 
there were twenty-one college, and six P»iblical 
students, and a total of 15S enrolled, Lemuel A. 
Garrison beino^ one of the three irraduates. 

The followin£i- year the work and faculty aurl the 
number of students remained about the same. Dur- 
in.o- the two vears from 1S07 to lSf)0, the number of 
students steadily increased, and the latter year a 




RHV. LEWIS A. DUNN, M. A., D. D. 



Central College. 129 

new teuclicr was added, Prof. Asa B. Bush for 
Greek. 

PROF. BUSHES YEAR^ 

1899-1900. 

After the resignation of Dr. Chaffee in 1899 the 
board phieed Prof. Bush in charge for one year as 
chairman of the facult3\ During this year L. A. 
Garrison was added as professor of Hebrew and 
Biblical literature. In the catalogue of 1900, 203 
students are repoi'ted, 106 in the college, academy, 
normal, and business courses, the remainder in 
elocution, music, and summer school. 

PRESIDENT garrison's ADMINISTRATION^ 
1900— 

On the retirement of Prof. Bush, Hex. Lemuel 
A. (hwrmon, who graduated from the college in 
18fH), and from the Rochester Theological Sem- 
iiiary in 1899, was placed at the head as vice pres- 
ident. He held this position for three years and 
was then made president. His associates in the 
faculty the first year were: Kate F. Keables, 
Latin; William W. Cook, mathematics; Martha 
Firtb, history and English; William A, Young, 
Frencli and German ; Thomas G. Davis, Greek ; 
Joseiih H. Hart, science; Julia H. Watson, elocu- 
tion; H. G. Cox, music; and three or four tutors. 
The number of students reported in the 1901 cat- 
alogue was 234; 107 of them in elocution and 
music. The following year Mr. Jesse P. F. Smith 
replaced Prof. Cook in mathematics for one year, 
when Prof. W. A. Young took his place, and Rev. 



130 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

George ('. IN'ck aiul Heiiiy Scliolt*' wcrc'julded for 
sj,st('in;!l ir thcoloL-v, <-lnii-<h polity, and New Tcsta- 
iiieiil exeovsis. 

Ill 1J)02, 170 stiidonts are reported. In 11)03, .\[iss 
Kate F. Keables surrendered her work in tlie eol- 
lege after seventeen years of most effieient and 
brilliajit s<'rvi<-(», tlie last twelve, in the ehair of 
Latin. 

Dniinii jlic last three or f<Mir years few ehani>es 
have Immmi made in the tcaehinii f<n'<M\ tin* nnmber 
of stndents remaining ahont the same. 

Dnring these later years very considerable and 
satisfactory ]>rogress has been made in the mate- 
rial e(|ni]mient of Ihe college. J'rcsident Garrison 
besides carrying forward and maintaining the effi- 
ciency of the school, has been able to add and equip 
several n(nv buildings well adapted to the needs 
of the institntion, and materially increase the en- 
dowment at the same time. 

The following statement of material eqni]nnent 
is taken from a recent catalogne. 

University Oainims. 

The university oampns of nine acres, finely ornamented 
with trees, is located within the city limits, with broad 
streets on four sides, affording clear siinlisht. pnre air. and 
freedom from noise nnd fire. 

Main Building. 

The main college Imildins is of brick, three stories above 
the liasement, and stands in the center of the grounds. 
This building is used chiefly for class-room work. The 
Miller art museum is being placed in the old chapel. The 
building is heated by furnace and the rooms used in the 
evenings are lighted by electricity. 

Jordan Hall. 

The .Jordan hall of natural sciences was erected in 1905. 
This building is forty-seven and a half by seventy-five feet, 



Central College. 131 

three stories high. It is built of pressed brick, ornamented 
with stone and finished in oak. It is arranged with modern 
conveniences and will be equipped with the best equipment. 
It contains laboratories and offices, a dark-room built upon 
its own l)ase, for experiments in physics and psychology, and 
a shop with lathes and tools. The Randolph geological 
museum has been placed in this building. It has been 
planned as soon as the demands are sulflcient to devote this 
building exclusively to physical, biological, and chemical 
laboratories. 

College Chapel (Y. M, and Y. W. C. A. Building). 

The Y. M. and Y. W. Christian Association building is a 
brick structure of two stories above the basement, contain- 
ing a chapel, library, gymnasium, bath rooms and several 
recitation rooms. The building was erected at a cost of 
about $16,000. It is well equipped, and furnishes gym- 
nasium privileges second to none in the state. The value 
of this building to the college and student body cannot 
be overestimated 

Athletic Field. 

The athletic field is situated on the west portion of the 
college campus. The field has been graded, leveled and 
fenced, and furnished with an amphitheater of sufficient 
size to meet the present needs. These grounds afford 
ample opportunity for the various out-door athletic sports 
attractive to college students. All athletic sports, not held 
in the gymnasium, are held in this field. 

The Observatory. 

We can point with pride to our astronomical equipment, 
largely the gift of Mr. R. R. Beard, of Pella, Iowa. The 
cost of Mr. Beard's gift was $5,000. 

Cotton Hall. 

One lilock north of the campus is Cotton Hall, for young 
ladies. Its rooms are neat, commodious, and well ven- 
tilated, planned for the health and comfort of the students. 
This building is heated by furnaces and lighted by electri- 
city. Recently, through the kindness of Mrs. R. R. Beard, 
the double parlors were entirely refurnished. In the 
management of the hall every possible effort has been 
made to give the young ladies a pleasant and attractive 
home. In the building are twenty-two rooms besides the 
dining room, kitchen, etc. Only young ladies occupy rooms 
in the hall, but table board is here furnished for students 



132 I OIL a Baptist Schools. 

of both sexes. The dining room \Yill seat seventy-five 
boarders. 

President's House. 

Brick, thirty-five by thirty-five, two stories and basement. 
Modern conveniences. 

Libi'ary. 

The library ot about 4,000 volume.^ is well supplied with 
the works of standard English and American authors, be- 
sides cyclopedias and other books of reference. The card 
system of cataloging has been adopted so that every book 
and every subject treated is available to the student. The 
library is open to the use of all students from 8:3 to 4:00 
o'clock each school day under proper regulation. In the 
reading room can be found files of leading newspapers and 
magazines, secular and religious. By both purchase and 
gift the library is steadily growing. 

Aluuiui. 

1861. 

Herman F. Bousquet, A.B., merchant, Bella. 

J. A. B. Hampson, A.B., deceased, 1893. 

Alouzo F. Keables, A.B., farmer, Winthrop, S. D. 

Hon. W. J. Curtis, San Bernardino, Cal. 

Hon. Warren Olney, Oakland, Cal. 

H. Kellenbarger, Grinnell. 

1862. 

George A. Jewett, B.Fh., Des Moines. 

1863. 

Aristine Wells, deceased. 

Mrs. Fannie G. B. Cutler, B.Bh,, Carthage, 111. 

Mrs. Mattie Morgan Baskal, Des Moines. 

1866. 

David Ryan, A.B., lawyer, Des Moines. 
Mrs. Anna Howell Clarkson, A.B., New York City. 
Eliza Tupper Wilkes, A.B., minister Unitarian church, 
Los Angeles, Cal. 

Sarah Sumner Shouji, A.B., Berkeley, Cal. 



1867. 

John Morgan, A.B., deceased, 1872. 
Roltort Ryan, A IJ., lawyer, Lincoln, Neb. 
Thomas Ryan, A.B., lawyer, Lincoln, Neb. 
Jyhn W. Harvey. A.B.. lawyer, Leon. 



Central College. 133 

1868. 

Mrs. Liiella Keables Cox, A.B., Pella. 
Cyuthia Jewett Sumner, A.B., Eddyville. 

1872. 

Zachary Taylor Houuold, A.B., merchant, California. 

1874. 

Ella Stoddard Ryan, A.B., author, Lincoln, Neb. 
John W. Wolf, A.B., deceased. 

1875. 

Rev. T. L. Crandall, A.B., deceased, 1903. 

Will H. W'olf, A.B. 

Francis Marion Xeff, A.B., printer, Grand Island, Neb. 

1877. 

J. Harve> Applegate, A.B., lawyer, Guthrie Center. 

E. M. Cathcart, A.B., minister. 

George A. Hertzog, A.B., Baptist minister, Laramie, Wyo. 

Samuel Francis Prouty, A.B., lawyer, Des Moines. 

Anna Livingston Prouty, deceased, 1885. 

Martha Rudd, A.B., Washington. 

Lilly Viersen, A.B., teacher, Pella. 

1878. 

Ida Agnes Baker. S.B., teacher, Whatcom, Wash. 

Ida L. Dunn Kruger, S.B., Pella. 

Lois Adeline Martin, A.B., teacher, Des Moines. 

Wilholmina DeHaan, A.B. 

Charles Wayland Scarff, A.B., Burlington, Vt. 

Emily Vinyard Bonsall, A.B., teacher, Hoyt, Kan. 

George P. Sheesley, A.B., lawyer, Denver, Colo. 

Mrs. Kate Frances Keables Beard, A.B., Pella. 

1879. 
William Wormser, A.B., Burlington, Vt. 

1880. 

Will L. Allen, .\.B., physician, Pella. 

Jacob Howard Cole, A.B., lawyer, Miller, S. D. 

Melvin A. Hanimell, A.B., lawyer, Sioux City. 

Mrs. Mandelia Weigand Harsin, A.B., Knoxville. 

Mrs. Cornelia Vander Linden Betten, A.B., Orange City, 



134. Iowa Baptist Schools. 



John Newton Dunn, S.B., farmer, Central City. 

Mrs. Mattie Peyton Mayfield, S.B., Sharon Springs. Kan. 

.lames A. Rice, A.B., lawyer, Stnart, Neb. 

M. M. Whiting, A.B. 

Margaret Doolittle, A.B., teacher, Grand Island. Neb. 

1883. 

Tennis Veenschooten, A.B., deceased, 1901. 
Mrs. Susie Pratt Gardner, A.B., Verdon, Neb. 
Ella May Edmund Mair, A.B., teacher, Pella. 

1884. 

Evert G. Beyer, A.B., minister, Maynard. 

Flora Etta Harris, A.B., teacher, Des Moines. 

Mrs. Luella McCully Applegate, B.S., Guthrie Center. 

William W. Cook, A.B., Pella. 

Amy B. Harris, deceased, 1895. 

Elizabeth Hayes, teacher. South Omaha. Neb. 

1885. 

J. W. Blattner, A.B., teacher, Austin, Tex. 
Henry Scholte Nollen, A.B., Des Moines. 
John Scholte Nollen, A.B., president Lake Forest Univer- 
sity, Chicago, 111. 

Mrs. .losie Jordan Dunn, A.B., Central City. 
Edward S. Plimpton, A.B., merchant. Salida. Colo. 
Mrs. Nellie Cassatt Brown, A.B., Estherville. 

1886. 

William Arbuckle Nelson, A.B., minister, Cambria. 

1887. 

Cyrenus Cole, A.B., editor and publisher. Cedar Rapids. 
Marietta Josephine E. Nolile. A.R., teacher, Chicago, 111. 
Dwight C. Townsend, A.B., minister, Paonia, Colo. 
Caroline Edmand, A.B.. teacher, Berlin, Wis. 



Herman Rietveld, A.B., Pella. 

John T. Forest, A.B., teacher, Chehalis. Wash. 

1889. 

Benjamin Samuel Knapp, A.R., minister. Las AnimaB, 
Colo. 

Mrs. Mary Howell Stuart, A.B., Monon, Ind. 



Central College. 135 

1890. 

Mrs. Nettie Bryson Douglass. A.B., Waterloo, 

1891. 

John A. Munson, A.B., teacher, Ithica, N. Y. 

Wilson M. Cooney, Eng. Theol., minister, Kahoka, Mo. 

Mrs. Hattie M. Bousquet Egan, B. Mus., Atlantic, la. 

1892. 

Irene Sraedley, A.B., physician, Tama. 

Mrs. Hilda B. Johnson Bain, B.Ph., Hrteman. 

Mrs. Anna Carolina D. Bousquet La Force, A.B., Paris, 
France. 

Wilson Mills, Eng. Theol., minister, Des Moines. 

Frank Horace Webster, Eng. Theol., minister, Port 
Townsend, Wash. 

Dora Markel Keables, B. Mus.. deceased. 

Ollie Bowen, B. Mus. 

Millie Palmer Cole, B, Mus., Pella. 

1893. 

Fred Enno Morgan, A.B., minister, Penryn, Cal. 
Hervey James Shutts, A.B., farmer, Corydon. 
John Louis Ruckman, lawyer, Aberdeen, S. D. 
Martha Firth. B.Th., teacher, Pella. 
Jennie M. Kuyper, A.B., teacher, Rochester, Wis. 
Magdalene Baker Bale, B.Th., teacher, Hoqulm, Wash. 
K. S. Douglass, Eng. Theol., minister, Middleton, Ida. 
A. L. Bain, missionary, Africa. 

1894. 

Mrs. Vada Beal Shutts, A.B.. Corydon. 

Clarence W. Heady, Eng. Theol., minister, Churdan. 

1895. 

Tony Louis Ketman, A.B., minister, Chicago, 111. 
Frances Ketman Morgan, A.B., Penryn, Cal. 
Charles W. Aikins, B.Ph., merchant, WInterset. 

1896. 

Carlton Ellsworth Douglass, B.Ph., teacher, Montezuma. 
Elbert Cummlngs Miller, A.B., teacher, Cavite, P. I. 
Lemuel Addison Garrison, A.B., president C. U. I., Pella. 



136 Joiim Baptist Schools. 

1897. 

Charles Lebbeus Custer, A.B., minister, St. .Joseph, Mo. 

Thomas Martin Phelps, A.B., deceased, 1904. 

Mrs. Johanna W. Van Pilsum Overing, B.Ph., Red Cloud, 
Neb. 

Mrs. Mary t'irth Garrison, A.B., Pella. 

Philetus Harold McDowell, A.B., Baptist minister, 
Omaha. Neb. 

1898. 

.John D. Collins, Baptist minister. Sac City. 

William Albert Young, A.B., teacher, C. U. I.. Pella. 

Julia Bousquet, B.Ph., teacher, Saguna, P. I. 

1899. 

John Bunyan Smith. A.B., Baptist minister, Webster City. 
Mrs. May Keables Smith, A.B., Webster City. 

1900. 

Herbert Findlay Rudd, A.B., missionary, China. 
William Charles Farmer, B.Ph., teacher. Pella. 

1901. 
Elizal)eth Scholte, B.Ph., music teacher, Pella. 
Richard D. Douwstra, A.B., Reformed church minister, 
Chicago, 111. 

George H. Douwstra, A.B., Reformed church minister. 
Gradus Remley Hagens, A.B., lawyer, Casper, Wyo. 
George G. Gaas, B. Ph., lawyer, Pella. 
Kruyn Van Zante, B.Ph., lawyer, Pella. 
Thomas Price, B.Ph., Hiteman. 
1902. 

Joseph Horace Johnson, B.Ph., lawyer, Chicago, 111. 
David M. Hand, A.B., Baptist minister. Central City. 
Sterling Price Shaw, Eng. Theol., Baptist minister, 
Marion. 

1903. 
Mrs. Cornelia DeHaan Hand, B.Ph., Central City. 
Fannie Winifred Smith, A.B., teacher, Pella. 
William Rufus Yard, A.B., Baptist minister, Eddyvill*. 

1904. 
James John Hollebrands, A.B., Holland, Mich. 
T.eroy Bobbitt. A.B.. Baptist minister. Chicago, Til. 
Margaret De Haan, B.Ph., Pella. 

J. Milton Whisler, Eng. Theol., Baptist minister, Gold- 
field. 



Central College. 137 



1905. 

O. W. Bowea, Minneapolis, Minn. 

J. F. Catlin, Westchester. 

R. R. Hopton, Fremont. 

Wilhelmina Vander Linden, Ft. Dodge. 

1906. 

W. R. Strickland, Denver, Colo. 

W. J. Smith, Sandwich, 111. 

Charles H. Robinson, Newburg, N. Y. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Des Moines College 

The lirst sugy;estiou leading to tlie lotatiou of a 
IJaplist school at Des Moines seems to have beeu 
made by a party of three jolly Iowa Baptist 
pastors returning from a summer vacation tour 
in northwest Iowa. At the Baptist state conven- 
tion held in Des Moines, October 23, 1862, Revs. 
T. S. Griffith, of Keokuk, was elected president; 
D. P. Smith, of Iowa Oity, vice president; and J. 
F. Childs, of Oskaloosa, secretary of the conven- 
tion. During the following summer of 1863 these 
three officers desiring to take an outing decided to 
form themselves into a self-appointed Baptist ex- 
ploring committee for the couAentiou, up through 
the new settlements in northAN est IoA^ a. Secretary 
Childs, in his annual report to the board in the 
succeeding October, describes the territory they 
visited as follows: 

A Survey of the Field, Supposing for the present the 
eye be withdrawn from three-fourths of the state, in a 
large portion of which a missionary might not find in 
entire counties a living church, or a fellow laborer, and 
which contains thriving settlements, county seats, and 
rail-road towns without a missionary, and turn it upon the 
northwestern part of the state, included in a line directly 
north of the capital to Minnesota, and west from the same 
place of beginning to the Missouri river. This includes 
about forty counties, many of Avhich are pretty well settled 
and in many of them are centers of important rail-road, 
commercial and social interest. In all this vast territory 

138 



- Des Moines College. 139 

there are not more thau two Baptist ministers, aud one 
of these is in too infirm liealth to preach, at most, only 
occasionally. To say it is destitute, extensive, important, 
and very needy conveys only a very inadequate idea of the 
real state of things. It was the privilege of three of your 
board to visit a good portion of that field during the last 
summer. Tliey were convinced from actual observation 
that at least six missionaries are needed in that portion of 
tlie state. It is gratifying to learn that Brother George 
Scott has been sent by the ilome Mission Society to the 
very center and heart of that great field. (Sac City.) 

Ou tliejr return from tki« trip they passed, 
through Des Moines. As they entered the city 
irom Llie northwest the lirst building that attracted 
their aUenl ion was the old Lutheran college build- 
ing, a three story briciv edilice. Tlie walls had been 
put up, aud the loot X)Uton; thetinancial crash of 
185G-18G0 followed, and the work was abandoned. 
The property had passed, into the hands of the 
creditors. In this condition the three brethren 
saw it. One remarked, ''Why might not the Bap- 
tists of Iowa purchase that property and unify the 
educational work of our denomination in this cen- 
tral point, at tlie capital of the state?" 

Passing on they called on the pastor, Kev. J. A. 
Nash, and the project was discussed. After re- 
turning to their homes letters were addressed to 
the pastor at Des Moines to ascertain for what 
price the propert}^ could be secured. The result 
of the inquiry was that the property could be pur- 
chased for |y,UOO, and on reasonable terms. As a 
consequence, a consultation was had by several 
brethren at Oskaloosa at the eTanuary, 1864, meet- 
ing of the Iowa Baptist state convention board. 
It was deemed of so much importance that a 
further consultation was thought advisable at a 
subsequent meeting of the board at Iowa City, the 
following April. At this meeting friends from 



140 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Uiiiliniitoii ;iii<l IV'lln iiuidc iirj;«'iit representations 
(liat tliev w ere eiKleavorinji to ]>jiy off tlie indebted- 
ness on those institntions and the.v feared this new 
movement wonld embarrass them. That if we 
wonld defer tlie Des ^Toines movement for a time, 
and nntil their ]H'oi>ert\' sljonld be seenred, if the 
JJaptists of Towa wanted an institntion at Des 
!\[oines (liey wonld not only not op]>os(\ bnt favor 
the eiilerjuise. Tnw illinii lo ev<'n seeiiiini[»ly throw 
obstaeles in their way the friends of Des ^foines 
took no fnrtlier ste])s, and as tlu' ■NFetliodists were 
also neiiotiatini*' for tin' same ]»roperty, and it 
beinji, ])nblished that Ihey had se<nre<l it, tlie (»nter- 
prise was for the time j^iven n]>. Tt Avas afterwards 
fonnd that the ^Fethodists had not ]nirehased it, 
and had abandcmed the ])roje<'t. Negotiations were 
ac'ain o])ened ; the refnsal of the ]>roperty was 
•i'iven to Mv. Nash nntil the meetin.i? of the state 
eonven<i<m at (Vdar Tva]Mds in Ortober, 1804, and 
the price jnit at |S,000. At Tnlar Rapids dnrinp; 
intervals of the sessions of the convention several 
meetings wei-e held, at which the whole snbject of 
onr edncati<mal inter<»sts was freely and fraternal- 
ly discnssed, and the followinii resolntions, pre- 
pared by a committee of l^.rethren Westover, Fnl- 
fon. Holmes, Eberhart, and C Ti-aven, were 
a<lo]>te(l after fnll discnssion. with iireat nnanim- 
ity: 

Resolved, That we commend the efforts of onr friends at 
Pella to liquidate their debt on the Towa Central Univer- 
sity, and that we pledg:e them all possible ro-operation in 
snr-h a necessary work. 

Resolved. That we re.ioice in the success that has at- 
tended onr institntion at Burlington in the good accom- 
plished in raising up and sending ministers into the field, 
and in otherwise promoting the cause of education in con- 
nection with our denomination, and also in the fact that 
recently its entire indebtedness has become liquidated and 



Des Moines College. 141 

a liberal siiiu secured towards au endowment, and we hope 
that this prosperity may ever attend the school. 

Resolved, That we deem it of very great importance to 
the Baptist cause in Iowa that the whole state be thorough- 
ly united in our educational interests, and believing that 
the providence of God . indicates such a result possible 
through an offer coming to us from the state capital, we 
therefore recommend that a mass meeting of the Baptists 
of the state be called to assemble in the city of Des Moines, 
on Wednesday, November 16, at 2 o'clock, p. m., to con- 
sider and decide the whole question. 

Resolved, That every church in the state be requested 
to represent itself in such meeting, and if unable ro do sd 
through its pastor or some member, that it may do so by 
letter to such educational convention, directed to Rev. J. 
A. Nash, Des Moines. 

Jiist before the time for the mass meeting ;i 
violent storm of rain and snow rendered the rojuls 
nearly impassable. The attendance at the meetino," 
was small, and it was deemed wise to defer \h^ act 
of incorporation till a later meeting. A committee 
consisting of J. A. Xash, J. E. Guild, and T. (.\ 
Townsend was ap,pointed to negotiate with the 
owners of the property and see what arrangements 
could be made for its purchase. 

Providentially Rev, Luther Stone, of Chicago, 
was nt the meeting. He felt a deep interest in our 
educational matters in Iowa, and remained a few 
days in Des Moines. On advice he finally con- 
sented to purchase the property, make the neces- 
sary advance payments, and finally transfer it to 
the Baptists when they shall raise the money there- 
for. It vras purchased dating from November 4, 
18fi4, for 18,000, bearing interest at ten per Qf^n\. 
It is due the gentlemen who held the property to 
record that having given their personal securitv 
for a loan on the college building, which they had 
to pay, the amount thereof, principal and interest, 
was at the time, November 4, 18fi4, |9,300. The 
difference between this and the |8,000 for which 



142 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

they sold it to the Baptists, they paid from their 
own pockets, and should therefore be regarded 
really as a donation to the college of that amount. 

In vieAV of the arrangement tius made for the 
purchase of the property, a meeting Avas called 
pursuant to the following notice in the Christian 
Tiuies of January 5, 1805: 

Educational Meeting in Iowa. As was announced a few 
weeks since, the college property in Des Moines has been 
purchased by a Baptist brother and is now within our reach, 
as soon as an organization can be effected and the funds 
for the purchase secured. The importance of every month 
during the present financial prosperity is obvious to every 
one. It has, therefore, been deemed advisable to organize 
this winter if possible. And to save extra expense of time 
and travel it has been suggested that we hold a meeting 
for the organization of board of trustees, and the transac- 
tion of necessary business, during the meetings of the 
ministerial union and the board of the state convention, 
which meet at Oskaloosa the week preceding the fourth 
Sunday in January. Will the friends of the Des Moines 
movement make a strenuous effort to be there? It is be- 
lieved that all the essential business can be attended to 
there as well as at Des Moines. Will not this be an 
additional incentive for making the other meeting un- 
usually well attended? J. A. Nash. 

Des Moines, December 2 2, 1864. 

The meeting was held in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Ja'i. 18, 1865, 
for the purpose of perfecting an organization an'^1 adopting 
articles of incorporation. The meeting v/as organized by 
the election of Rev. J. T. Westover, of Keokuk, as president, 
and Rev. J. O. Wilson, of Eddyville, ab clerk. Articles of 
incorporation were adopted and signed by the following 
named incorporators: John T, Westover, John O. Wilson, 
Jairus F. Childs, John A. Nash, Samuel H. Mitchell, John 
Williams, Oscar A. Wells, Robert M. Tracy.' 

Tbene articles were th^ii acknowledged bef(;re 

a notary public. 

Art. 2. Object — The object of this corporation shall be 
to establish, support, and govern in Des Moines, Polk county, 
Iowa, a university to consist of a primary department, an 
academy, and a college, and such other departments ap- 



^J. A. Nash, in Des Moines College Record, 1S6I-1878, 
pp. 5-8. 



Des Moines College. 143 

propriate to a university as the patrons and trustees shall 
find themselves able, and shall deem it advisable to main- 
tain. Said university to be forever under the special con- 
trol ol' the Baptist denomination. 

xVrt. o. Trustees — The said university shall be under 
the management, direction, supervision, and government 
of a board of forty-live trustees, which number may at any 
time be increased to sixty. 

The trustees to the number of two-thirds shall be me fi- 
bers in good standing in regular Liaptist churches (such 
churches believing in the articles of faith set forth as the 
i\ew Hampshire confession of faith published in the En- 
cyclopedia of Religious Knowledge.) Seven members of 
the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
all ordinary business. 

Art. 12. Amendments — These articles of incorporation 
may he altered or amended ))y the board at any regular 
meeting by a majority of the members present, excepting 
Art. 2 pertaining to the object, and Section 2 of Art. '6 
which requires two-thirds of the Ijoard to be members of 
regular Baptist churches, and that part of Art. 5 which re- 
quires a majority of the executive board to be members of 
Baptist churches, which shall Ije uncliangeal)le. 

A Ijoard of forty-live trustees were appointed — Rev. J. T. 
Westover, Keukuk, was elected president of the board, a 
position which he tilled with great, acceptance for more 
than five years; Rev. J. A. Nash, Des Moines, was elected 
secretary and financial agent, and Dea. W. A. Galbraith, 
Des Moines, treasurer. 

The property was ti-imyfeired to the trustees 
who requested I'astoi- Nush to resij^u his pastorate 
and areept the tiuaueial ageucy. He undertook the 
A\ork with reluctance. During tlie summer of 
ISO.j, a subscription was raised in Des Moines of 
|12,00(). Tart «d' the proceeds were applied on the 
debt and the remainder to enclose the building. 
Duiing the tall and winter, part of tlie tloius wvvv 
laid, windows put in, and some rooms were 
tinished. One of the ]u-ominent ])ioneer Uaptist 
ministers in Iowa, who ])robably gave more years 
of unseltish labor and nmde greater personal sac- 
rifice than any other person in the state to tlic 



144 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

cause of education and missions, truthfully said 
a few years later: 

If there ever was an enterprise the inception of which 
was purely unselfisli and for the future of the Baptist 
cause, in Iowa, especially, the University of Des Moines is 
that one. The future will vindicate the wisdom and self- 
sacrifice of the present in this regard. 

The movement seemed quite spontaneous. It 
met iJOiDular approval and general commendation 
as the foregoing recital of facts tends to show. 
There had been more or less of antagonism between 
the special friends of the two older schools planted 
and supported by the denomination, neither one in 
a flourishing condition at the time. The Baptists 
were generally congratulated on securing at small 
cost so great and substantial a building of biick, 
three stories in height, with high basement, and 40 
by 80 ft. in dimensions, one of the best college build- 
ings then in the state, situated on an elevated and 
elegant site near the present corner of Fifteenth 
street and Woodlawn avenue; enjoying all the 
advantages of a central location, large x>opulation, 
facility of access at the commercial, social, and 
intellectual center of the state, and its capital. 

The trustees arranged to open a young ladies' 
department of the school, ISo^ember 27, 1805, iu 
the Baptist church which then stood west of the 
old court house on Cherry street, and placed it in 
charge of Miss Josephine A. Cutter, who had 
previously taught iu the school at Burlington, and 
April 1), 1866, the school was transferred to the col- 
lege building, a boys' department added, and Mr. 
Nasli i>laced at the head as principal. The school 
closed June 22, witli an enrollment of 76 ]>u])ils. 

Later iu Hk^ season Briucipal Nash felt iin])elh^d 
1o resjign because of luoken liealth, and Rev. T. W. 
Hay hurst, of jMissouri, a brother of Rev. L. W. 




REV. J. A. NASH, D. D. 



Des Moines College. 145 

Hayliurst, avIio had recently become pastor of the 
First church, Des Moiues, was choseu acting prin- 
cipal, assisted by Miss Cutter and other instruc- 
tors. Principal Hayhurst, however, resigned be- 
fore the end of the school year, and at its close. 
Miss Cutter desiring to give up her work, the board 
complimented her by placing in the record their 
"cordial testimonial as a teacher of rare capacity, 
of wonderful energy, and of decided success." She 
^^'as afterwards married to Mr. John A. Woods, of 
Des Moines. 

At the annual meeting Rev. Thomas Brande was 
elected financial agent, and undertook to make 
collections and secure additional subscriptions to 
complete the building, but the severe financial 
depression foUoAviug the close of the war hindered 
his work wiiich continued about a year. Dr. W\ 
H, Dickinson was elected treasurer, August 10, 
1807, and served many years. 

In October, ISOT, the state convention met at 
Pella, and the following resolutions "reported b}^ a 
committee to confer with brethren from Des 
Moines" were adopted : 

Resolved, That this convention cordially endorse the 
University at Des Moines as one of the denominational in- 
stitutions of tlie state, and commend it to the Baptists of 
Iowa as worthy of their confidence and support. 

Resolved, That the effort about to be made to secure 
for it an endowment of $20,000 meets our entire approba- 
tion. 

The school was suspended from 1807 to 1808, but 
ill September of the latter year it was re-opened by 
Messis II. A. Ill-own and If. ^1. Rtone, who had 
charge for oii<' y<'ar, willi an ciivollment of seventy- 
five students. 



146 loiva Baptist Schools. 

Tlie state couveutiou being iu session at Mar- 
slialltowii, October ID, 1808, tlie followiug record 
is made: 

By the cuuiteay oi' the convention Brethren Westover 
and 1 lay hurst were invited to speali in relation to Des 
Moinea University. Tire folluwing resolutioou way unani- 
mously adopted: . That we as a denomination do earnestly 
unite in paying olT the indebtedness of our educational in- 
stitution at Des Moines. 

Iu February, 1869, uo adequate provision liaving 
been made to pay oft' tlie indebtedness in tlie pur- 
chase ol (lie property, liev. J. F. Cliilds, of Oska- 
loosa, >\as finally prevailed on to undertake the 
task of securing cash and pledges for this purpose, 
as iinaucial agent and trea.surer. He ivsigned his 
pastorate and entered at once upon this arduous 
work. He spent the whole season travelling o\er 
the prairies of Iowa, taking in town and farm 
alike, and the result of the strenuous year's work 
>\as some money and a subscription of more than 
112,0(10 that gave good pioniisc of paying tlie debt 
and moic too. Late iu the fall, Mr. Stone, who had 
put his money into the ju'operty, and still had most 
of it tliere, wrote 31 r. Childs that if the college 
would pay hi ill oif, he would deduct a thousand 
dollars from tlie amount yet due. As the subscrip- 
tions ali-eady taken were not due till August 1, 
J 870. .Mr. Childs, believing that tlie property ought 
to be liebl for a Baptist school, and that the way 
would (►])<m ill due lime to pay this debt, decided 
to take tlii' risk himself, even though he risked 
about ;i11 lie had, to save the institution, and saA'e 
llie thousaiid dollar d(Mliictiou offered, and he as- 
sumed 11i(> debt liimself on behalf of I he trustees, 
and caiiied ii agaiiisl his will for many a long 
year. I Ihisdc it is due to this grand man, who put 
nlso many years' of unrequited service into tliis 



Des Moines College. 147 

child of his love, to quote a little from a private 
letter received from him mauj years after, when 
he had passed his eighty-fourth birthday. The let- 
ter says: 

1 can iioL write yuu the tiwful load I carried for years, 
and the aleepless nights, in order to save the property to 
the Baptists oi Iowa. Many times I was approached with 
a proposition to foreclose the mortgage and realize on the 
sale, Init I felt that it was the will of Providence that I 
should hold it. The outcome to me was the loss of the 
larger portion of our little patrimony, and much forced 
economy in our living expenses. But I am glad now that 
it was saved, aud do not regret all the cost to iue. There 
can be no real good secured in this world without sacrifice 
by somebody. 

After about fifteeu years the debt was paid by 
the sale of the properly, and the removal of the 
college to another site. 

In September 18G9, Kev. D. N. Mason resigned 
the pastorate at Cedar Falls, and accepted the 
principalship at Dos Moines. The attendance dur- 
ing the year was small — sixty altogether — and the 
income from tuitions very small the spring term. 
A search for another victim was begun which final- 
ly succeeded in landing a young man from his 
farm near Denison, by the name of Alonzo Aber- 
netliy, for the school 3^ear beginning in September. 
The school opened September 15, 1870, with a good 
number of students and a very small number of 
instructors, but temporary help was secured for 
several Aveeks when Rev. P. S. Whitman and wife 
arrived and took up their work. Miss Alice Lee 
taught during most of the year, and Mr. John 
Stewart during the spring term, after Mr. and Mrs. 
Whitiiian left to look after their Howard county 
farms. There were ninety-three students enrolled 
payiiip: hiitious. Tluse tuitions, with room rents 
and a liille other incoiiK', paid Me expenses of the 



lis Iowa Baptiat Schools. 

school (lui-iiii^ the year, paid lor f>ioiiie addifioiial 
fnniiturc^ needed to furuish student's rooms, and 
left a small balance of income for the ensuing year. 
The annual report of the board adopted at the close 
of the school year in June, 1871, and spread upon 
the record, contained the following- comidinien- 
tary personal mention: 

Arrangements were made with Col. Abernethy to take 
charge of the school, and he entered upon his duties at the 
beginning of the September term. Prof. P. S. Whitman 
came about the middle of the fall term and entered upon 
teaching soon after. Mrs. Whitmnn took charge of the in- 
strumental music and of modern languages. Thej' re- 
mained until February and then closed their connection 
with the school. Prof. J. W. Stewart was employed at the 
beginning of the spring term and continued until the close 
of the year. During the last term Miss Denisou had charge 
of the instrumental music, and Miss Alice Lee was em- 
ployed as teacher during the first and second terms. To 
the energetic labors of Prof. Abernethy, the principal, who 
for a small compensation has devoted his time and talents, 
the school is chiefly indebted for the ])rosperity which has 
attended it. The labors of Prof. Stewart have been 
remarkably acceptable. The school, notwithstanding the 
change of teachers, has been a marked success, and, as 
will be seen by the report, has been entirely self-supporting. 
It is, we l)elieve, in the person of its students commending 
itself to public favor, and could we continue our present 
teachers with necessary increase of help, we believe the 
school ere long will justify the most sanguine hope of its 
friends. 

The principal believed then, as he does now, that 
the institution ought to have a successful and 
honorable future, but did not wish to undertake 
the carrying the work forward toward this end 
under the conditions then existing, though the 
debt was about |8,000, and one citizen of Des 
Moines Avas willing to bend a subscription with 
.fl,000 to secure its payment. He had therefore 
given a conditional promise to accept the princioal- 
ship of the preiiaratorv department of the old T"^ui- 
versity of Chicago for the ensuing year. Before 



Des Moines College. 149 

tlio close of the sdiool, liowever, some friends, witL- 
ont even consnllino' In'm, bad suggested liis name 
for superintendent of ]>nblie instruction of the 
state, to wliicli office lie was nominated in June, 
and electc^l in November, and for two succeeding 
terms. 

Some pleasant memories cluster about that nine 
montbs" assiduous work. Quite a number of these 
ninety-three boys and girls inacle honorable records 
for themselves in later Iowa history; two of them 
al least, entering that year from the farm, later 
entered the Baptist ministry and served the Master 
for uiany years with distinction — one, Francis M. 
Gaines, in Towa, and the other, Joseph V. (rarton, 
in N(nv England. James M. INfiller and his sister, 
also, who entered a little later, remained to com- 
]»h4e their course in 1875, the brother returning 
later to his home to practice law, the sister to 
Tiangoon Burma, as a missionary teaclier in our 
Baptist school. 

A most delightful acquaintance began with Prof, 
Whitman and wife, continuing for thirty years, 
until both weVe translated, having left to Christian 
(Mlucation in Towa more than twenty-five thousand 
dollars. 

The following year, 1871, Prof. T. N. Snow be- 
came principal, with ^Miss Florence M. Davis, 
Louis Buttlvay, and !^^rs. Snow assistants. The 
numbei' of stud(mts this year increased to 113. Mr. 
Snow )-emained one year and was succeeded by 
Pev. J. A. Xash, as acting president, with Miss 
Davis and souie other lady assistants. At the close 
of the year Principal Nash reported a total of 83 
students. 



150 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

President Nash had been serving as county 
superintendent for several years, and could give 
only a portion of his time to the work of the col- 
lege. Rev. B. H. Brasted was elected tinancial 
agent, September 16, 1872, and served about a year. 
At the opening of the school in 1873, the faculty 
was greatly strengthened by the adding of Profes- 
sors N. E. (ioldthwait, of Boone, in mathematics, 
also treasurer of the board, and I. H. De Wolf in 
Latin. They were both scholarly gentlemen and 
excellent teachers. There were six instructors 
altogether. The school began to take on new life. 
During the year 161 students were enrolled, niue 
of the number in college work. 

The following year was also a prosperous (>ne. 
A catalogue issued during this year, probably for 
the lirst time, shows an enrollment of twelve in 
college work, a large number in the preparatory 
department, and a total of 166 students. I-oubt- 
less many of this number have made good use of 
the training they received there, and good records 
in life. The writer happens to have known two of 
them later on — Charles J. Kose, who remainerl long 
enough to develop some sturd}^ qualities of mind 
and heart, and to capture President Nash's oldest 
daughter, Jennie, for a wife, and doubtless both 
these acquisitions have aided him very materially 
in the excellent record he has madr as a preacher 
of the gospe], being at this writing, 1906, .secretary 
of the Ohio "Baptist state convention. The other 
was Benjamin F. Osborn, from Perry, who showed 
the metal that AAas in him by remaining till he got 
his degree, a rather rare thing for an Iowa boy 
at that day. The exceptional record that he made 
later in his business and in his public, and i)ublic- 



Des Moines College. 151 

spirited service for the community iu wliich lie 
lives, aud for the state, both the boy aud his alma 
mater may well be proud of, having served both as 
regent of the state university, and trustee of the 
state college of agriculture. 

The report of the national educational commis- 
sion [lublif^hed during this year, reviewing the con- 
ditions and needs of our Iowa Baptist schools with 
its conclusions, is given elsewhere under the topic. 
Some Notable Movements for Co-ordination. 

^Yith the close of the school in June, 1875, Pres- 
ident Nash desiring to withdraw from the headship 
of the school, Judge F. Mott, of Winterset, who had 
served on the' circuit bench in his district for a 
term or more, and was at this time a member of 
the law faculty of the state university at Iowa 
City, w'dH elected president and took up his work 
with the beginning of the fall term. Prof. Nash 
continued in charge of Greek and natural science, 
DeWolf in Latin, E. W. Craven in mathematics, 
and Mrs. J. N. Page, assistant instructor and 
teacher of music. Prof. Goldthwait withdrawing to 
devote his time to his business affairs. He had 
taken a great interest in the building of our college 
at Des Moines from the first, had consented to 
leave his large business interests at home, and take 
up A\ork in the college, only at the urgent request 
of President Nash and the board of trustees, of 
which he Avas a member, and l)e('ause he stood 
ready to aid the school in any possil)h' way he 
could. I>uring the last year Prof. Goldthwait had 
charge of tlio school as acting president. 

Tlu' s-olh'gc classes were all represented this 
yenr, rlie fresliman by twelve students, the soph- 
omore by three, tlie jnnioi- ly one. and tlie senior 



182 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

by i\\o; total, eighteen, aud the total euroll- 
meiit, I.")!. 

Ivev. (). T. Coiiger served the college as tiuaucial 
agent. Tlie name of E. S.Hunu, from Perry, ap- 
pears (his year in the catalogue, who, with his 
brother, (Miai'les E., entering later, remained to 
complete their education and settled in Des 
31«)ines, so(m l>ecomiug one of the leading law 
tii-ms iu the city, and always loyal to the college. 

l*]'(^si(]eut Mott remained iu charge of the school 
two 3ears, and then returned to his home in Win- 
terset on account «)f impaired lieallli. having given 
two years of laborious and excellent service to the 
school. The enrollment for this year, 187G-1877, 
Avas reported as eighty-five. On President Mott's 
retirement the board adopted the following: 

1. That we deeply regret the necessity that compels us 
to sever our official relations witli the retiring president, 
and tender him our hearty wishes for his success and pros- 
perity in his future fields of labor. 

2. That we fully appreciate the zeal and fidelity with 
which Judge Mott has performed his official duties in rela- 
tion to the university, his generous exi)enditure of time and 
money in the interests of the institution, and we look with 
pride and gratification to the many marks of improvement 
and adornment made upon the grounds and buildings dur- 
ing his administration. 

3. That the secretary be instructed to communicate these 
sentiments of the board of the university to the Hon. P^red. 
Mott, our retiring president. 

(Signed.) .1. F. Childs, U. McKay, D. G. Perkins, 

Committee. 

In 1S77 Pi-esideut Nasli again assumed the head 
of the school, rcMuaiuing actually or nominally in 
charge, doing all I lie time such service as he found 
himself altlc io pciform. In 1877 he received the 
(legice of (h»tIoi- of (li\iiiily from the I'uiversity of 
(Miicago. iM-of. I )('\\'olf rciiiaiued for a number of 
years as insliiiclor, and i>art (d' the time as treas- 
urer, lakiiig the ]>lace held for two years efficiently 



Des Moines College. 153 

by Prof. N. E. Goldtliwait, aud Avas always a faith- 
ful and useful member, rendering valuable service 
in various ways. E. H. Eastman took up the work 
of Prof. Craven, and later that of Prof. DeWolf. 
In the catalogue of 1877-1878, Mrs. O. A. Sa win's 
name appears as teacher in English. The number 
of students in college was twelve, preparatory 
twenty-six, with total of eighty-five. Charles J. 
Rose and Jennie C Nash were graduated that vear, 
1878. 

Prof. Ira ]\r. Price, at present a distinguished 
member of the faculty of the University of Chicago, 
taught Greek and modern languages for the year, 
1870-1880. Tlie number of students seems to have 
been quite small for two or three years, eighty-one 
are reported for 1878-1870, and seventy-nine for 
the next year, when a catalogue was published. 

In 1881 Prof. D. F. Call who had been teaching 
in the Cedar Valley Seminary at Osage, was elected 
President, and opened the school with a new 
faculty, consisting of the following assistants : G. 
D. Purinton, T. M. P>lakeslee, T. F. ETamblin, :Miss 
Leona A. Call, Joseph jM. Pilcher, and Miss Sarah 
Hamblin. Prof. Call, though quite a young man, 
had already won a tine reputation as a teacher, 
and so took with him quite a body of good students 
from northern Iowa, and with his associates was 
prepared to do thorough work. T?ut it soon became 
evident that there was no adequate income to sus- 
tain the school with its organization. The faculty 
resigned in a body to take effect at the close of the 
school year. Prof. Call was invited to take the 
chair of Greek at the state university, early in 
January, 1882, where he did brilliant work almost 
up to the time of his death, August 23, 1885. Miss 



15i loiva Baptist HvliooU. 

Leoiia A. Call, oue of his assistants, accepted a 
cliair at Central College, where she remained till 
called to tlie nniversity to take temporarily her 
brotluM-'s place. Her work was so satisfactory 
that slie was first elected acting professor, and 
later ]>rofessor of Greek, which ])Osition she still 
occnpies in 1906. 

In 1882 Dr. Nash again assnmed control and 
continued in charge for two years more, ronnding 
on( a fnll ten yeai's' service which was given with 
great fidelity. At no time in the service was there 
any adeqnate compensation other than the con- 
scionsness of dnty done, and the perennial joy of 
seeing the boys and girls who came nnder his 
teaching and within the charm and inspiration of 
his lovely personality, developing nnder their 
training strong and earn(»st characters of manhood 
and womanhood. 

Eighteen years had ela])se(l since Ihe incorpora- 
tion of the T^niversity of Des ]Moines. The original 
])nr(liase price had not yo\ been paid. The debt 
had slowly bnt steadily increased, and a part of 
tlie ]>roperty sold nnder execntion. Dr. Nash 
tliongli still nominally at the hear! of the school 
greatly desired to be relieved of the bnrden be- 
canse of failing sti'ength and increased years. 

Tn Jnly, 1888, the presidency was tendered by 
the execntive board to Col. Abernethy, then com- 
])leting his second year in the school at Osage, bnt 
the offer was declined. Three months later Dr. Ira 
E. Kenney was elected president, and entered at 
once npon the work of nntangling the knotty con- 
dition of the finances. At the end of another year 
the old campns was abaiidoned for the new site on 
West Ninth street, between College avenue and 



Des Moines College. 155 

Jefferson street, the old building having been 
taken down and re-erected on the new campus. 
Early in the year 1884, contracts had been com- 
])leted for the erection of a new and larger building 
flesigned for a central hall. The school took on 
new life under the vigorous administration of Pres- 
ident Kenney, who was devoting all his energies to 
clear away the debts, and give the school a good 
housing, and devise means to organize a faculty for 
aggressive work. Col. Abernethy was again ap- 
pealed to for help, and consented to act for a year 
as dean, to aid in forming a faculty, and making 
plans for the ensuing school year, while carrying 
forward his school work at home. 

Prof. A. P>. Price, who had previously taught at 
Pella, was placed in charge, assisted by Professors 
T. ^r. P>lakeslee and N. A. P>rown, and one or two 
lady assistants. The school opened auspiciouslv 
with sixty students, housed temporarilv in the 
basement of the old Baptist church, at the corner 
of Eight and Locust streets, until the new build- 
ing should be ready for occr.pancy, but; 

The best laid scliemes o' mice an' men. 

Gang aft a-gley. 
An' lea-e us nought but grief and pain. 

For promised joy. 

The new building when completed would have 
been paid for according to the contract by a por- 
tion of the old campus, but the foundation walls 
were scarcely in place, when the contractor failed 
and suspended all work toAvard its completion. 
The br-ight nnd brightening outlook of two new 
and commodious buildings with the long-time 
burden of debt reinoved had suddenly faded. The 
incommodious quarters must be indefinitely en- 
dured. President Kenney's health, for many years 



iSd Iowa Baptist Schools. 

precarious, agaiu failed iiim, conipelliug tlie sur- 
reuder of ail worii. He resigned early iu 1885, aud 
Col. Aberuetliy, against his judgmeiil and wishes, 
was elected to the place. The year's work in the 
school had ]jroved satisfactory. A good body of 
students had continued tii rough the year, among 
w horn are w ell remembered Clyde E. Brenton, from 
Dallas; Charles E. Hunu, from Terry; Warren 
Dickinson, E. JJ. McKay, and Ceo. F. Keinking, of 
Des Moines, and It. 8. Walker, of xllgona. Two of 
the number became llaptist ministers, Keiukiug 
aud Walker, both ser\ing in recent years prom- 
inent Iowa churches. 

Efforts were begun early in 1885 to devise ways 
and means for completing the building, and to pay 
bills that were then beginning to acrue. liny. A. 11. 
Button, wiio had completed two years" satisfactory 
service as financial secretary fo the CecUir N'alley 
►Seminary, >>as elected financial secretary, taking 
up the work February 1, 1885, recently laid down 
lle\'. W. A. Cain, who had given several years' 
efticient service. Mr. Ijutton continued in this 
position nearly three years, patiently aud assid- 
uously aiding toward uiainlainiug tiu' school, aud 
carrying forward the ikmv buikliug to comple- 
tion, securing some |(),000 of new sidtscriptions 
and collecting lialf as much more of i)riucipal and 
interest on old subscriptions. 

In Septeml)er, 1886, Rev. C. T. Tucker was added 
as financial agent, aud continued his A\ork until 
July 1, 1889, commending himself throughout by 
the efficiency of his work, and the excelleuc<' of his 
judgineut iu superiutcMidiug the completion (►f I he 
new l)uildiug, and collectiug money to pay for it. 

1^'of. ]*rice coiiiiuued tit llie head of the srhool 



Des Moines College. 157 

from 1885 to 1887, assisted by Prof. Blakeslee aud 
others. Mr. Frederick Hall look the uliair of 
Greek in 188G, aud Miss Emma iSmitli that of 
German aud seieuce. 

The movement for uuitiuj^' the Central and Des 
Moines schools culminating during 188G is (de- 
scribed elsewhere under the head of ^ome >»'otable 
Movements for Co-ordiuation. iSee also Uaptist 
Annual, 188G, pp. ID, 05, and 73. 

ACTING I'KESIDEXT STEl'lIEXSUX, 

lSS7-lb!89. 

August i:, 1887, Kev. J. P. Stephenson was 
elected acting president and professor of Greek, 
and his ^^-ife, Mrs. Florence T. Stepheuson, instruc- 
tor in modern languages, Professors Price aiid 
lUaivcslee remained, .Miss Frances 11. Wheeler was 
added as tutor in English branches, and iWw JI. L. 
Stetson, professor of Piblical literature and Chris- 
tian evidences. Sixty-nine students Avere eurolled 
during the year, twelve being in college classes. 

The school opened in Se})tember, 1888, with 
about the same faculty aud number of students as. 
the year before. 

PRESIDENT STETSON, 
1889-1900. 

March 5, 1889, the executive board spread upu-u 
the records the following official endorsement from 
the executive board of the American ]>a]»tist 
Education Society : 

Whereas, The trustees of the University of Des Moines, 
Iowa, have invited for that institution the endorsement of 
this lioard, and. 

Whereas, This institution is now. and l)y its articles of 
incorporation must remain, under Baptist control, aud, 



158 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Whereas, This institution is well located to serve the 
educational interests of the people of Iowa, has valuable 
property in lands and buildings, nearly free from debt, is 
organized and conducted as a college, and as such promises 
to supply an important, permanent and pressing need of 
the Baptists of Iowa, therefore, 

Resolved, That we heartily commend this Christian col- 
lege to the active sympathy and financial support of all 
Baptists and of all others interested in Christian education. 

Resolved, That we recommend to the board of trustees 
a change in the name of the institution from university to 
college, to correspond with its present work and proper 
scope. 

MiWih 2(1, followiuo-, Rev. H. L. Stetson, D. D., 
pastor of the First Ba]itist chiircli, Des Moines, 
was nnanimonsly elected ])resideut, and soon after 
signified his aeeeptauce of the offer. The eatah^gue 
for this year contains the names of 77 students, the 
first one issned with names of students apparently 
since 1880. Charles E. Hunn and Marion Walter 
are «iven as seniors, and Arthur McKay and Joseph 
Swans(m as juniors. Other familiar names in Des 
^loines rolle.2,e history, enrolled this year, are 
Leon Cassady, Frank H. Dewey, William L. Fer- 
guson, Adam F. Groesbeck, William V. ^FcVey, 
Arthur N. INFi^Kay, William M. Plimpton, John A. 
Earl, John :\r. P. Smith, Lillian M. Plimpton, 
Winnie St. Olair, Bertha Stetson, Frances R. 
Wheeler, Lorenzo D. Teter, and Edward O'Dea. 

At the annual meetinc^ be«>inninsj June 18, 1889, 
the articles of incorporation were amended chang- 
mo: the title to Des ^Foines rollesje. 

With the besjinning- of the new school year under 
the presidency of Dr. Stetson, the far-ulty was fur- 
ther strengthened by the addition of Prof. Oold- 
thwait in mathematics. Rev. 17. A. Rogers in Enolish 
P.ible, Miss PTattie L. Oroodrich as tutor, and INfrs. 
R. L. Stetson in paintinii", and others. The course 
of study was made equal to that of any of the 



Des Moines College. 159 

staiKlard colleges, and the iiiiniber of students in- 
ereased to 10(1, twenty-one in college work, includ- 
ing Edwin W. Mecuni, Charles H. H. Moore, and 
Jose])h E. Tveloar, who later entered the iiiinisiry. 
Dnviiig (he year two most notable snl)scii()ti<ms 
were received toward the raising of an endowment 
of 1100,000, one of |25,000 from Mr. Joseph V. 
Hinchman, of CIlenAVOod, loAva ; the other, |1 2,500 
from the American Baptist Education Society, the 
ciMiditions being, first, that the trustees of the col- 
lege raise |62,500 additional in cash or good sub- 
scri]itions before January 1, ISOl, and second, that 
all the l(\gal debts of the college be paid in full 
or covered by good subscriptions. The time for 
com]Jeting this endowment was later extended to 
June 15, 1801. 

An active canvass was inaugui'ated in the state 
to meet the conditions accompanying tlie^e muni- 
ficent offer. President Stetson, and Tve^-. H. Tl. 
Foslcett, some months later, took up the work with 
em^rgy and enthusiasm. T>y Aiu-il 1, 1801. it was 
a])]>arent that some additional help was needed to 
com]>lete the canvass during the short intervening 
time. V.y joint agreement of the two boards intei'- 
ested, TJev. N. B. Rairden, I). T)., then general mis- 
sionary of the state convention, was secured for the 
remainder of the time. TTe enter(^d lieroically into 
the work and did splendid service. Prof. N. E. 
(^JoUlthwait took u.p the work also, with volunteers 
in different parts of the state. 

The treasurci-ship of the college becoming va- 
cant. Rev. William Aitchison, Jr., of Des ^Foines, 
was elected to the place Xy)v\} 2, 1801. Re at once 
entered upon a thorough examination of the books 
and accounts, establishing a complete system for 



1(50 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

i'(v<»r(liiiiA jiiul whowjijg all tissels iiud liabilities, 
icHM'ipts and expenditures, collections and loans, 
and tlie like, from which the actual condition of 
the funds and accounts of the college, or any one 
of them, may at any time be seen. With great 
care, accuracy and labor. Treasurer Aitchison has 
kept the financial condition, and the finances 
th(Mi)selves thron.iih all the intervening years. 

When the board and friends gathered June 15, 
1801, for the annual meeting, great anxiety was 
manifest for the final outcome of the strenuous 
cam]taigu. After an all day canvass by the des- 
ign;! led committee, jMi*. J. V. Hinchman, Secre- 
tary F. T. Gates, and Cashier V. F. Newell, of Des 
^loines, and the prompt subscription of some 
needed thousands, Secretary Gates announced the 
Huc<-essfnl completion of the canvass, amid great 
iej(»i<'ing. 

TIk' minutes of this meeting note the death, July 

1), ISDO, of Vvov. Luther Stone, D. D., of Chicago, 

one of Ihe original members of the board, and 

record ihe following bi-ief historical sketch, and 

beauMful tribute: 

Mr. Stone graduated at Brown TTniversity and N-^wton 
Theologiral Seminary, and came west in 1844, spending 
romo time that year at Burlington and Davenport. Reti'vn- 
ing to Cliif'.ago he estaiilished the Watchman of the Prairies, 
the predecessor of the Christian Times, and the Standard. 
To Mr. Stone more than to any other man the college owes 
its origin. In 1864, he had been invited to accept the presi- 
dency of the school at Pella. He visited and looked over 
the situation there, and came to Des Moines, at that time 
fiO miles beyond the nearest railroad. Here he found a 
college pro])erty, formerly owned by the Lutherans, for 
sale. With singular foresight and a generous purpose Mr. 
Stone after consultation with brethren advanced the f'.nids 
'for its ptirchase, and held the property until a corporation 
could be formed, when he deeded the property, takin.g only 
the unsecured note of the trustees. 



Dvfi Moines Colleye. 161 

.Vs noted olsewlu'ic, l>r. Stone also «»enerously 
gave the college |1,000 of the amount due him 
when the above named note was cancelled, after 
lie had held it for more ttian five years. 

The work in the school for 1890-1891 had been 
highly successful, 186 students had been enrolled, 
42 doing college work. The list contained the 
names of .seven boys entering during the year, who 
later served in the gospel ministry in the state, as 
follows: John Y. Aitchi.son, Hulberl ii. IJeaman, 
Frederick W. Bateson, Eugene M. Gillett, Hugh 
A. Heath, Clarence H, Lockwood, and Oren P. 
Sonner. 

The catalogue of 1892 shows a slight diminution 
in the number of students for that year, being 157, 
thirty-seven doing college work. One new student, 
at least, for the ministry, entered, William fP. 
Canine, from Harlan, also Edward A. Graves, from 
^farshalltown, and Miss Kittie McKlveen, from 
<'hariton. Of the five graduates, four. Earl, Fer- 
guson, jVlcVey, and Story, entered the ministry, 
and Dewey, the law. 

Among the speakers at chapel during the year 
are seen the names of President W. R. Harper, Drs. 
Lemuel ^foss, E. T. Hiscox, Henry C. ]\fabie, O, P. 
Gifford, and Fred T. Gates, besides quite a list of 
prominent lowans. 

The college became affiliated, July 1, 1892, with 
the T^niversity of r'hicago. By virtue of this affili- 
ation the university provided for and reviewed the 
college examinations, gave certain scholarsliips 
nnd fellowships, and aided the college in maintain- 
ing a high .standard of instruction, lectures, and 
courses of study, and otherwise strengthening its 
work. 



162 Toiim Baptist Schools. 

Septoml)er, 1892, Mr. F. E. Goodell enters the 
faculty fi'oiii Johns Hopkins University, for chem- 
istry and physics, replacing Prof. W. F. Eoller, 
who had resigned after three years of excellent 
and thorongh service. Miss Flora E. Harris also 
becomes tutor in Greek. 

Duiiug tlie school year following, 1(>2 students 
were enrolled, 41) in college work. In this list we 
recognize the names of Herbert A. Abernethy, 
Archie W. Tall, William K. Lane, William P. 
Lovett, and Daniel Peagan, beginning their col- 
lege traning for the ])ulpit, the bar, and other 
literary labor. Of twelve seniors this year, seven 
had mastered the classical course, and three the 
philosophical. 

The degi'ee of doctor of laws was most worthily 
bestowed on Prof. Amos N. rurrier. of the chair of 
Latin in the state university. 

The next year Daniel INL SluxMnaker was added 
for German, and William ^F. Plim])to]i for physiol- 
ogy. One-hundred and <M'ghty-eight sindents were 
enrolled, 74 in college !n»d 82 in academy classes. 

At the beginning of the school year in 1804 Fred 
E. ]\rorgan became instructor in biology, and 
Arthur T. Watson in New Testament Greek. 

The catalogue issued during the following year 
shows 107 students, 00 in college, and 84 in 
academy. The graduating class numbered 11. 

Tn ISO.'^, l\Tiss Harris becomes associate professor 
in Greek, and the following year 173 students are 
enrolled, 76 in college classes. There were 11 in 
the class of 180fi, 10 receiving the degree of A. "R., 
inclufling William P. Ganine. Archie W. Gall, 
William K. Kane, George W. Lee, Gharles H. H. 
Moore, and Katherine McKlveen. 



Des Moines College. 163 

Professor A. B. Pri^e, ,who was elected professor 
of Latin in 1884 resigned this, year after twelve 
years' of earnest, faithful, and efficient service in 
the college. 

The catalogue of 1897 contains the names of 129 
students, 65 in college, and seven graduates. 
Horatio H. Newman becomes instructor in Latin 
and biology, replacing F. E. Morgan, resigned. 

The next year there were 157 students, 83 in col- 
lege work, of whom 12 graduated. INliss Ada P. 
Norton becomes instructor in French and German. 

In 1898-1899 the number of students increased 
again to 181, 100 in college classes, 55 in academy, 
and four sub-preparatory, and 11 receiving degrees. 

During 1899-1900 there were 184 students, 100 
of them in college, and 78 in academic work, witli 
11 again receiving degrees. 

At the close of this year Prof. Frank E. Ooodell, 
after teaching chemistry and physics in the college 
for eight years, resigned to accept a position in the 
North Des Moine.s high school. He was tlioroughly 
flevoted to his profession, and his work was always 
of a high order of excellence. 

In 1900 the board received notice from the cor- 
responding secretary of the American Baptist 
Education Society that |25.000 had been voted to 
aid Des Moines Tollege in paying its debts and 
increasing its endowment: 

At the annual meeting of the board in June, 
1900, President Stetson presented his resignation, 
having given the college, and the cause of Christian 
education eleven years of devoted, self-sacrificing, 
and eminent service. He had brought the institu- 
tion to the first rank, led in securing large funds 
for endowment and equipment, won the confidence 



164 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

aud love of the entire student body, and all who 
knew him, and led in placing the college on a broad 
and snre foundation of future growth and useful- 
ness. The board in accepting the resignation or- 
dered placed on record the following : 

Resolved, By the trustees of Des Moines College, that in 
accepting the resignation of Rev. H. L. Stetson, D. D.. as 
president, we express our appreciation of the very great 
service which he has rendered the institution. He has 
given to it years of faithful and heroic service, often sacri- 
ficing his own interests for its advancement. He has left 
an impress upon hundreds of students, now filling positions 
of honor and usefulness, and thus wrought a work the 
influence of which can never die. 

Resolved, That by his patient, unceasing, self-sacrificing 
efforts in behalf of Des Moines College, Dr Stetson has 
merited and should receive the love and gratitude of all 
the friends of the institution, and that we personally express 
our sincere and heartfelt appreciation of the services which 
he has rendered, and the many sacrifices which he has 
made. 

Resolved, That we heartily commend the patient toil and 
persistent effort by which he has carried the institution 
through many crises, believing that his silent prayers, 
secret hopes, and earnest endeavors will have rich fruitage 
in the years that are to come. 

A few months later Dr. Stets<ui was invited to 
accept the chair of psychology and pedagogy in 
Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Mich., which he 
still occupies. 

PKESIDIONT (JKORGE D. -VDAMS, 
1901-1903. 

At tlie same meeting a committee was ap]H>inted 
on new president, and at a S]>ecial meeting of the 
board held at Marshalltown, Odober 28, 1000, in 
connection with the state convention, this commit- 
tee recommended the election of Rev. George D, 
Adams, ]mstor of the First Ba])tist church at 
Kalamazoo, Mich., for president. At an adjourned 



Des Moines College. IW 

mcetiug uext day, Mr. Adtims was unauiiiioiislv 
elected at a .salary of |2,000, his services to begiu 
Jauuarj 1, 1901. 

At the animal meet in;;, Jime 20, 1901, the fol- 
lowing degrees wer" coniened : 

Rev. H. L. Stetsou, D. D., the degree of doctor of laws. 

Rev. W. M. Walker, the degi'ee of doctor of divinity. 

The enioilinent for 1900-1901 was 179, I'Z in 
college work, and 11 in the graduating class. Miss 
Ada F. Norton resigned the chair of French aud 
German at tiie close of her fourth year of most 
excellent aud satisfactory service. 

In the catalogue of 1902, several new names ap- 
pear in the list of instructors, among them, Har- 
riet lluth Aitchison, French; Homer K. Miller, 
l^atin; and Airs. Ella (J. Miller, history and 
l>edagogy. There were 53 students in college, 13 
in academy courses, and 28 unclassitied, besides 
about 200 in music, the Des Moines College of 
Music having been united with the college. There 
were 15 in the graduating class, and the degree of 
doctor of divinity was conferred upon the follow- 
ing persons : 

Kevs. Jolm A. Earl, ^Villiam L. Ferguson, aud 
Arthur T. FoN\ler, indicating that the college is 
becoming quite a mill for grinding out this kind 
of grist. 

ACTING 1'KK.SIDENT .J. K. RICHARDSON^ 

1903-1904. 

At a s]»ecial Itoaid meeting convened Dec. Ic, 
1902, Dr. Adams presented his resignation as pres- 
ident, whicli, at bis request, was accepted to take 
effect January 1, 1903. Rev. Dr. J. K. Richardson, 
pastor of the Talvary P.ajitist cliurch, Des jMoines, 



166 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

and secretary of the board, was asked to take | 
charge as acting president, and served in this 
capacity until June, 1904, when he resigned. 

The catalogue of 1903 gives the names of 144 
students in college and academy, and 186 in music 
and liarmony; total, 330. 

At the end of this school year the genial and 
brilliant professor of mathematics. Dr. Thomas M. 
Blakeslee, who was first elected to this chair in 
the college twenty-two years before, in 1881, and 
had taught since the autumn of 1884, with an oc- 
casional year's absence in Europe or teaching else- 
where, finally severed his connection with the col- 
lege, to devote his time to original Avork in the I 
more advanced realms of this science, for which 
he had such marvelous equipment, carrying with 
him the love and admiration of nearly a genera- 
tion of students. 

For the year 1903-1904 there were 250 students. 
At the annual meeting of the board in June, a 
committee was appointed on the presidency. This 
committee, after a pretty thorough canvass of the 
important subject committed to them, submitted 
a report at a special meeting of the board called 
at Marshalltown, October 26, 1904, recommending 
the re-calling of Dr. H. L. Stetson to the presi- 
dency. The recommendation was unanimously and 
heartily ratified. The authorities at Kalamazoo, 
however, strongly urged the doctor to remain in 
Ills present work, and after having had o])})Oi'- 
tunity to re-examine all the conditions carefully, he 
finally decided that it Avould be unwise for him to 
undertake the Avork, and forwarded his decli- 
nation. 



Des Moines College. 167 

DEAN J. P. STEPHENSON^ 

1904-1905. 

JJeau J. i'. Htepiienson was agaiu placed iii 
ciiai-ye ui Liie work of (lie scliooi, for the year be- 
j^iiiiiiiig September, iU04, while the board was 
seeking a new president. Migiit studeuts eom- 
ple(>ed the coiiise this 3'ear, among 57 iu the college 
classes, and there y^eve 40 in the acadejuy, and a 
total, incindiiig ail and music, of 257, the increased 
number of siudenls the past (hree years, being due 
to (he alliliation of liartlett's school of music with 
the college. 

PRESIDENT L. D. OSBOKN^ 
1905 — . 

TJie committee on presidency appointed in 1904, 
continued its search after the declination of Dr. 
Stetson, tiioroughly conscious of the diliicuit work 
committed to them, again renewed their search for 
the right man. Ileal izing that the only nmn vrho 
could iiope to take up this onerous burden of car- 
r3'iug for^^ard the college to greater independence 
and greater [»ower, must have endurance, faith, 
patience, and persistence to grapple witli the dif- 
ficulties as they should confront him, and hold on 
through the years until they are overcome, spent 
the remain<ler of the year before reporting. 

At the annual meeting, in June, 1905, the com- 
mittee reported aii<] the board elected Rev. Loren 
D. Osborn, l*]i. !>., [»resident. Dr. Osborn was the 
son of a i)ion(»er Daptist i)reacher. He had spent 
his eaily youtli on a farm. He worked liis way iu 
a jjrinting ohice through the liigh school. He spent 
four years in learning and practicing the business 
of banking. He received a call to the ministrv 



168 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

aud went to Aun Arbor for his A. B., aud later to 
Chicago for his Ph. I). He had spent eleven rears 
in three brilliant and sucee.ssful pastorates, and 
had done some literary work. His heart responded 
to the call to greater and far more difficult \\ ork, 
requiring rare gifts and resources of the highest 
order. He accepted and entered upon its duties 
July G, 1905. 

The college has a good record for the work done 
in its classrooms aud laboratories. A high order 
of excellence has been steadily maintained for 
many years. \\ hen the college section of the Iowa 
Htate Teachers' Association took up the work, 
twenty years ago, of determining Avhat colleges in 
the state were doing standard grade AAork, l^es 
Moines College was found to be among the six 
Idghest in the state, in its requirements aud work. 
Jt has constantly niaintainrd this high rank. 
Through the years of its affiliation with I he Uni- 
versity of Chicago, its term examination papers 
were regularly passed upon aud accepted by the 
university examining boards. 

The athletic record of the college has been highly 
creditable, and justly the pride of its :?tudent body, 
in all recent years. 

The strong religious character of the iuatitution, 
wholly free from uarroT^ seotariauis^m, has been a 
marked characteristic. In no school anywhere 
have higher ideals of Christian life and character 
been maintained; and couiparatively few students 
ha^e gone out from Its walls uniuflueu<«'d aud un- 
t<>u<'hed by the high ideals there taught, main- 
tained, aud illustrated in ])ersonal life. 

At thf rlose of the school, June, 190r», jhe foi- 
lovviui; wft.*! tlie corps of administration and in- 




REV. H. L. STETSON. D. D. LL. D. 



Des Moines College. 169 

structiou, with the approximate dates of their en- 
tering the faculty, omitting iustruttois in the 
school of music, art, and oratory : 

President L. D. Osborn, 1905. 

Prof. J. P. Stephenson, 1887, English and philosophy. 

xMrs. F. T. Stephenson, 1887, liternture. 

Miss Flora E. Harris, 189 2, Greek. 

Prof. Homer R. Miller, I'JOl, Latin. 

Mrs. Ellen C. Miller,' 1901, history. 

Prof. L. B. White,' 190o, mathematics. 

Miss Charlene E. Sperry, 1902, German. 

Prof. G. F. Dasher, 1904, science. 

Miss Harriet Ruth Aitchiaou, 190o, French. 

Prof. W. C. MacNaul, 1906, history and political economy. 

Prof. Forbes B. Wiley, 190<j, mathematics and physics. 

Any li.st of contributors that could now be made 
up for any one of our .schools during their long 
history would necessarily be incomplete. Yet, 
whoexer lielps to carry on this work, so fraught 
Avith good results, deserves credit, whether they 
ever get credit for it in this world or not. Those 
who are able and willing to give the larger aid of 
this kind, like those who give the larger service in 
the class room and otherwise, deserxe their sliare 
of credit for the good work accomplished. In the 
more recent history of Des ]NIoines College, largely 
since June, 1891, the following are known to the 
writer to have been donors who have paid |500 
and upwards : 

J. Y. Hinchman, American Baptist Education Society, 
Rev. Dr. Ira E. Kenney, Rev. Dr. P. S. Whitman, Mrs. 
Mary E. Kenney, Dr. A. Holland, W. S. Goodell, Rev. 
William Aitchison, S. B. Garton> C. W. Goddart, Rev. Dr. 
H. L. Stetson, Dr. E. C. Spinney, James Callanan, and 
Deacon W. H. Hendricks, of Des Moines; Mrs. S. R. Bowen, 
Marshalltown; Mrs. D. A. Belden, Grinnell; Prof. N. E. 
Goldthwait and Levi Colvin, Boone; Charles Bofink, Jeffer- 
son; Hon. W. L. Joy, A. S. Garretson, Sioux City; J. R. 
Vaughan, Mrs. Martha E. Smith, and Mrs. E. B. Smith. 
Waterloo; Hon. L. Dwelle, Northwood; William H. Hughes. 
Davenport; Mrs. H. E. Worthington, Cumberland; Mrs. 

' Resigned. 



170 loiua Baptist Schools. 

L. W. Hersey, Waukon; Dr. W. A. Hines, Manchester; 
C. W. Paine, Westside; Hon. John Leonard and J. F. Tate, 
VViuterset; Clyde E. Joy, Keokuk; H. I. Fosket and father, 
Shenandoah; William Long, ludianola; J. S. Wheeler, 
Mason City; B. S. Plimpton, Denison; Dr. W. M. Plimpton, 
Glenwood; A. D. St. Clair, Hampton; Fred Miller, Wood- 
ward; Rev. G. F. Reinking, Des Moines; J. M. Straham, 
Malvern. 

Alumni Directory, College of Liberal Arts. 

Abernethy, Herbert A., A.B., 1899, lawyer, St. Paul, 
Minn. 
Adams, Helen Grace, A.B., teacher, Newton. 

Adams, Lawrence J., S.B., 1902, farmer, Fort Dodge. 

Aitchisou, John Young, A.B., 1893, clergyman, Gales- 
burg, 111. 

Aitehinson, Harriet Ruth, Ph. B., 1901, teacher, Des 
Moineo College. 

Atkinson, Arthur W., A.B., 1898, clergyman, Manhattan, 
Kansas. 

Bacon, Jessie R., Ph.B., teacher, Osage. 

Bacon, Kittie (Mrs. D. I. Coon), A.B., 1899, Waverly. 

Baker, Ezra L., Ph.B., 1906, student U. of C, Chicago, 111. 

Baldwin, Nellie Love, Ph.B., 19 00, high school principal, 
Atlantic. 

Bale, G. A., Ph.B., 1893 clergyman, Haquaim, Wash. 

Barker, Guy, S.B., 189 7, merchant. Plover. 

Barker, Maude Lee, S.B., 19 00, Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Bateson, F. W., A.B., 1895, clergyman, Belvidere, 111. 

Beaman, H. G., A.B., 1895, clergyman, Waterloo. 

Bennett, Bird E., A.B., 1898, Des Moines. 

Bessee, Clara E., Ph.B., 1903, teacher, Fort Dodge. 

Bowman, Ella M., A.B., 1902, teacher California. 

Brasted, Alva J., S.B., 1902, clergyman, Lisbon, N. D. 

Brenton, Eva (Mrs. McColl), L.B., 1891, Perry. 

Bronson, Bertram F., A.B., 1906, student U. of C, Chi- 
cago, 111. 

Campbell, Lenora (Mrs. W. A. Guild), S.B., 19 00, Des 
Moines. 

Canine, W. P., A.B., 1896, clergyman, Toledo. 

Cassady, L. M., S.B., 1893, druggist, Denison. 

Caul, A. W., A.B., 1896, clergyman, Vinton. 

Chittum, Roscoe S., A.B., 3 902, student, Trevor Hall, 
Rochester, N. Y. 

Christ, Amy (Mrs. Jones), S.B., 1881, Laguna, N. M. 

Clark, Roy P., S.B., 1897, business, Ottumwa. 

Clifford, Wesley N., S.R., 1893, superintendent of schools. 
Council Bluffs. 
Coffin, Nate B., S.B., 1881, lawyer, Des Moines. 



Des Moines College. 171 

^ Colby, H. E., Ph.B., 1899, editor, Wateiioo. 

Colver, Author F., A.B., 19 05, student, Newton Center, 
Mass. 

Colvin, Auburn, S.B., 1905, Springfield, 111. 

Cotvin, W. E., Ph.B., 1896, merchant, Ida Grove. 

Cotman, Perry, S.B., 1879, journalist, Minneapolis, Minn. 

Crane, Arthur W., A.B., 1903, teacher, Corrall. 

Curtis, John A., A.B., 1895, missionary, Kanigiri, India. 

Cutler, W. Alden, Ph.B., 1903, lawyer, Wessington 
Springs, S. D. 

Dakin, C. L., A.B. 1895, clergyman, Massena, N. Y. 

Daniels, Lola (Mrs. Parker), A.B., 1896, East Paris, Me. 

Davies, George R., A.B., 1899, principal, Armenia, N. D. 

Davis, Minnie M., Ph.B., 1906, student, Chicago, 111. 

Davis, Myrtle E., A.B., 19 06, student, Chicago, 111. 

Delmage, Vera Z. (Mrs. Crane), Ph.D., 1904, deceased. 

Dewey, Frank H., Ph.B., 1892, lawyer, Des Moines. 

Jessie L. Duboc, A.B., 19 02, Oskaloosa. 

Mildred Dunning (Mrs. R. B. Bdmundsou), Ph.B., 19 05. 
Billings, Okla. 

Duboc, Jessie (Mrs. R. B. Edmundson), Ph.B., 1905, 
Billngs, Okla. 

Earl, John A., A.B., 1892, clergyman, Chicago, 111. 

Edmundson, Robert B., Ph.B., 1903, lawyer, Billings, 
Okla. 

Estle, Roy R., S.B., 1904, farmer, Minburn. 

Estle, William T., S.B., 1906, farmer, Minburn. 

Ferguson, William L., A.B., 1892, missionary, Madras, 
Indiai 

Foulk, Frank E., S.B., 1901, physician, Des Moines. 

Fowle, Walter I., A.B., 1902, clergyman, Ames. 

Fowler, Laura (Mrs. F. E. E. St. Clair), Ph.B., 1902, 
Hampton. 

Fowler, Maude, Ph.B., 1900, Jefferson. 

Frees, Caroline (Mrs. L. B. White), Ph.B., 1903, Kala- 
mazoo, Mich. 

Fuller, Benjamin G., Ph.B., 1891, lawyer, Des Moines. 

Garlock, Cora (Mrs. Guy Barker), S.B., 1899, Plover. 

Garner, William A., S.B., 1902, physician, Ida Grove. 

Gillett, E. H., Ph.B., 189 4, clergyman, Cherokee. 

Goodell, Fred W., S.B., 1899, business, Garwood, Tex. 

Graves, Edward A., Ph.B., 1895, teacher, deceased, 1903. 

Griffiths, Jennie (Mrs. Jensen), A.B., 1880, deceased, 
1902. 

Groesbeck, Adam F., A.B., 1894, missionary, Chao-Yang, 
via Swatow, China. 

Groesbeck, Fred L., A.B., 1901, lawyer, Des Moines. 

Groesbeck, Ruth B., Ph.B., 1905, teacher, Lorimer. 

Guild, Ellie B., A.B., 1879, physician, New York City. 



172 Iowa Baptist Scliools. 

Guild, William Alva, A.B., 19 00, pliysiciau, Des Moines. 

Hagenian, Arthur C, A.B., 19 04, missionary, Paris, 111. 

Halstead, Grace, A.B., 1900, teacher, Toledo. 

Hawkins, E. Jane, Ph.B., 19 05, teaclier, S. C. I., Sac City. 

Heath, H. A., A.B., 1893, clergyman, Wakefield, Mass. 

Hunn. Charles E., Ph.B., 1889, lawyer, Des Moines. 

Hurley, H. H., Ph.B., 1897, clergyman, Belvidere, 111. 

Jackley, John J., A.B., 1902, business, Pierre, S. D. 

Jennings, Winifred, Ph.B., 1904, teacher, Corning. 

Kimball Thomas E., A.B., 1896, clergyman, deceased, 
March 18, 19 05. 

Kingsbury, Mary R. (Mrs. H. E. Persons), Kalamazoo, 
Mich. 

Kriugel, Beulah M., A.B., 1905, teat "ler, Lewis, 111. 

Kringel. Mary L., A.B., 1905, student, U. 'of C, Chicago, 
111. 

Lar ', W. K., A.B., 1896, editor, Lawton, Mich. 

Lai 'am, Anna (Mrs. F. L. Groesbeck), Ph.B., 1901, Des 
Moines. 

Lathrop, Frances E., Ph.B., 1895, teacher, Waukon. 

Latimer, James V., A.B., 1899, missionary, Hunchow, 
China. 

Latimer, Thomas E., A.B., 19 04, Newark, N. J. 

Lee, Ella (Mrs. W. P. Canine), A.B., 1896, Toledo. 

Lee, George W., A.B., 1896, principal, S. C. I., Sac City. 

Lee, Judson F., A.B., 19 04, student, U. of C, Chicago, 111. 

Lee, Royal W., Ph.B., 19 04, Wick. 

Leemon, Harry K., A.B., 1901, lawyer, Chicago, 111. 

Lelaud, Nellie (Mrs. Franklin Brown), Ph.B., 1901, Des 
Moines. 

Lovett, W. P., A.B., 1899, clergyman. Grand Rapids, 
Mich. 

Lowrey, Clara B., A.B., 1902, Corning. 

Lov/rey, Leulla M., A.B., 1905, Corning. 

Lucas, Nellie E., Ph.B., 1905, Des Moines. 

Macy, Wenonah E., Ph. B., 1898, teacher, Des Moines. 

Magee, James D., A.B., 1902, teacher, Manhattan, Kan. 

Martin, Addie (Mrs. E. H. McVey), Ph.B., 1894, de- 
ceased, 1905. 

McCracken, George L., S.B., 1878, journalist, Chicago, 
111. 

McKay, Adelaide L., L.B., 1893, La Porte, Tex. 

McKay, Arthur N., Ph.B., banker, 1890. La Porte, Tex. 

McKay, Edwin B., Ph.B.. 1888, teacher, deceased, 1897. 

McKlveen. Katherine (Mrs. J. M. P. Smith), A.R., 1896, 
Chicago, 111. 

McManus, Thomns. A.B., 1895, physician. Waterloo. 

McVev, W. P., A.H., 1892, college president, Abington. 
111. 



Bes Moines College. 173 

Mentzer, Mabel (Mrs. Ralph Patt), A.B., 1901, Kansas 
City, Mo. 

Miller, Ella L., A.B., 1875, missionary, Wraugell, Alaska. 

Miller, H. C, Ph.B., 189 8, clergyman. Fond dii Lac, Wis. 

Miller, James M., A.B., 1875, lawyer, Rossland, B. C. 

Miller, May (Mrs. Black), S.B., 189 0, Norwalk. 

Mills, Ernest O., A.B., 1906, teacher, Idaho Falls, Ida. 

Moore, C. H. H., A.B., 1896, clergyman. New Hartford. 

Moore, Hugh F., A.B., 1898, clergyman, Vinita, I. T. 

Miyamori, Seuji, A.B., 1902, student, Chicago, 111. 

Nash. Jennie C. (Mrs. C. J. Rose), A.B., 1878, Mount 
Vernon, Ohio. 

Nelson, Frank B., Ph.B., 1901, teacher, Atlantic. 

North. William A., Ph.B., 1900, business, Spokane, Wash. 

Norton, James L., A.B., 1900, surveyor, Yuma, Ariz. 

Norton, Adda (Mrs. F. L. Kern), A.B., 1893, teacher, 
Des Moines. 

Ogg. Mason C, S.B., 1901, farmer, Fairmount. 

Osborne B. F.. S.B., 187 7, druggist, Rippey. 

Osgood. Henry D., S.B., 1881, business, Marsailles, 111. 

Page, A. C, A.B., 1895, physician, Des Moines. 

Page, Eva C, Ph.B., 1902, teacher, Illinois Women's 
College, Jacksonville, 111. 

Painter, Charles, S.B., 1879, journalist. Schuyler, Neb. 

Partch, Mary (Mrs. Wilkins), Ph.B.. 1898, Tacoma. 
Wash. 

Parrish, M. C, A.B., 1904, missionary. 

Patterson, C. F., A.B., 1898, physician, Ankeny. 

Pederson, J. H., Ph.B., 1901, St. Paul, Minn. 

Phillips, Nelson G., A.B.. 1876, farmer, Cambridge, Ida. 

Plimpton, Elfleda (Mrs. Alfred Fisher), Ph.B., 1898, 
Tacoma, Wash. 

Plimpton, Lilian (Mrs. S. H. Black), L.B., 1891, Cen- 
tralla. Wash. 

Plimpton, Robert P., A.B., 1896, physician, Denison. 

Plimpton, William M., A.B., 1893, physician, Glenwood. 

Reed. William W., A.B., 1897, superintendent of schools, 
Lisbon, N. D. 

Rex, E. Monroe, A.B., 1903, clergyman. Lake City. 

Rice, A. C, Ph.B., 1903, teacher, Rangoon, Burma. 

Rice, James, A.B., 1880, lawyer, Osceola. 

Richardson. Elizabeth (Mrs. W. Alden Cutler), A.B., 
1903, W^essington, S. D. 

Richardson, Walter G., A.B., 1903, Des Moines. 

Rogers, Lewis B., A.B., 1904, missionary. 

Rollinson, Emma (Mrs. J. E. Griffiths), A.B., 1897, Alta 
Loma, Tex. 

Rosa, C. J., A.B., 1878, clergyman. Mount Vernon, O. 

Rowat, Harry, S.B,, 1901, physician, Albia. 



174 Iowa liaptist ScJwolfi. 

Shoemaker, IJiiuiel M., S.B., ISO 8, city batteriologist, St. 
Louis, Mo. 

Schull, D. C, S.B., 1881, lawyer, Sioux City. 

Schull, David S., S.B., 1888, banking, deceased, 1891. 

Smith, J. M. P., A.B., 1893, professor, U. of C, Chicago, 
111. 

Smith, Linnie, Ph.B., 19 00, teacher, Toledo, O. 

Sneath, George, Ph.B., 1902, student, Rochester, N. Y. 

Stanley, Mary (Mrs. Arthur Crane), A.B., 1903, Carroll. 

St. Clair, Anrelia, A.B., 1906, Hampton. 

St. Clair, F. B. E., S.B., 1901, physician, Hampton. 

St. Clair, Winnie (Mrs. Will Ferguson), A.B., 1895, St. 
Louis, Mo 

Stetson, Bertha M. (Mrs. Trevor Arnett), A.B., 1894, 
Chicago, 111. 

Storey, W. E., A.B., 1892, clergyman. First Baptist 
church, Sacramento, Cal. 

Stoughton, H. A., A.B., 1898, clergyman, Windom, Minn. 

Swanson, .Joseph, A.B., 1890, clergyman, deceased. 

Tandy, A. W., A.B., 1904, student, U. of C, Chicago, 111. 

Tate, Homer G., S.B., 1902, Evanston, 111. 

Thompson, S. H., A.B., 1899, Rock Island, 111. 

Townsend, Henry S., A.B., 1880, business, Hawaii, 
Hawaiian Islands. 

Treloar, Joseph E., L.B., 1893, clergyman, Ogden, Utah. 

Troyer, L. E., Ph.B., 1893, missionary, Soamo, Porto 
Rico. 

Troyer, W. L., S.B.. 1897, clrgyman, Gothenburg, Neb. 

Turrill, Will H., Ph.B., 1903, business, Oak Park, 111. 

Twomliley, Eva, A.B., 1901, Des Moines." 

Waldo, W. A., Ph.B., 1893, clergyman, Wilson Avenue 
Baptist church, Cleveland, O. 

Walker, Etta (Mrs. R. P. Plimpton"), Ph.B., 1897, Denl- 
son. 

Walter, Marion, Ph.B., 1889, lawyer, Kendall, Mont. 

Welch, Rol)in L., A.B., 1900, lawyer, Knoxville. 

Wheeler, Frances (Mrs. Brownell), A.B., 18 88, Sac City. 

Wilkes, Winifred, Ph.B., 1905, teacher. West Branch.. 

Willis, Katherine G., A.B., 1895, teacher, W. H. S., Des 
Moines. 

Woodard, Olive (Mrs. Mason C. Ogg), A.B., 1901, Fair- 
mount. 



CHAPTER VII. 
Some Notable Movements for Co-ordination 

1870-1S74. 
Report f>f the Western Advisory Oommittee. 

At a Baptist state conTention held hi the city of 

Plonghkee])sie, X, Y., in October, 1867, tliere 

developed, under the providence of God, a very 

unusual interest in the subject of higher education 

witiiin and for the denomination in that state. 

Out of the interest there awakened the Baptist 

Educational Comniission was formed January 1, 

1868. 

Its object was two-fold: To promote education, and the 
increase of the ministry in the Baptist denomination; to 
create and foster in our churches and congregations such 
a general interest in the higher forms of education as 
should lead to the wider and more effective use by our 
people of the institutions of learning which we have estab- 
lished, and to stimulate and sustain by prayer to the Lord 
of the harvest, and by all proper endeavors, such replenish- 
ment of our ministry as is required by the magnitude of 
our numbers, and the greatness of the Christian work 
which God has committed to our hands. 

Two years later the president and secretary of 
this commission, Samuel Colgate, and S. S. Cut- 
ting, issued a call for a national convention, to 
meet in tlie city of Brooklyn, April 10, 1870, "liav- 
ing for its object the consideration of questions of 
common interest relating to the character and 
work of our institutions of learning, the increase 
and increased intelligence of our ministry, and the 
advancenifMit of education in the great body of our 

175 



176 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

peoi)l(\" To this call were also appended (lie fol- 
lowing names: 

Alex Caswell, president. Brown University. 

M. B. Anderson, president, Rochester University. 

E. G. Robinson, president, Rochester Theological Sem- 
inary. 

E. Dodge, president, Madison University. 

J. R. Looniis, president Lewlsburg University. 

Alvah Hovey, president, Newton Theological Seminary. 

Henry G. Weston, president, Crozer Theological Sem- 
inary. 

G. W. Samson, president, Columbia College, D. C. 

Not only were these presidents upon the pro- 
gram for addresses, but many others, Presidents 
Ciurmidin of (/olbv, Greene of Worcester, Ray- 
mond of X'assar, lioardman of Crozer, Curry and 
Jeter (»f Virginia, Boyee and Broadus of Ken 
tu(ky, Mitchell of Shurtletf, Stearns of Chicago, 
Talhot of Deiiison, Cregory of Kalamazoo, and 
many other notable men in the denomination. 
Tw(^nty states sent delegates, and moT'e than 
thirty of the leading schools of the countiT. ^lany 
Htirring addresses were delivered by the aldi^st 
men (»f that day, such as Presidents Hovey, 
Greene, Anderson, Pobin.^on, Caswell, Dodge, Ea- 
ton, Loomis, Raymond, and Xorthru]). Stirring 
discuss iotis were had by su<'h men as Colgate, 
Harknoss, Judson, Kendrick, Bright, Boardman, 
^lo,<i;s, TTague, Mitchell, and Bulkley, and from the 
south by Drs. Cuiry, Jetei', Boyce and Broadus. 
Probably no abler body of Baptist educators ever 
met in this country. Dr. Cutting snid it was "the 
mo.st illustrious assemblage' in the annals of 
the Baptist denomination," Presideni Eaton said. 
"We have here the representatives of the talent, of 
Ihe learning, of the culture, of the piety, of the 
great Baptist denomination; one of the most re- 
markable phenomena in the history of the denom- 





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PRESIDENT L. D. OSBORN. 



Report of Western Advisory Committee. HI 

iiuiiioii." The published proceedings filled 250 
pages. 

At this meeting an organization was formed, 
wliich later became the American Baptist Educa- 
tional Commission, whose object it should be to 
jn-omote witiiin the held of its operations eduration 
and the increase of (he ministry in the denomina- 
tion. 

The iiiliu(^nce of (his great m<'eting of Baptist 
leadei's, for promoting an advance movement in 
^'duration through unification and co-operation, 
mel an immediate response throughout the coun- 
try. 

May 17. 1870, less than a month after the ad- 
journment of the Brooklyn meeting, the executive 
lioard of Des Moines (!ollege was called together 

For the consideration of a proposed effort for the con- 
solidation of our educational interests in the state. A paper 
was read from Prof. B. H. Scarff. After considerable dis- 
cussion thereon, the following was adopted: 

Whereas it is represented to us that there exists an 
earnest desire on the part of a large number of brethren 
scattered over the state to have a general educational con- 
vention to ol)tain a union and consolidation of all our 
educational interests in the state, therefore, 

Resolved, That such a convention meets our entire ap- 
proval, and we will appoint three delegates to attend said 
convention, and labor to bring about such a. desirable 
result. 

Resolved, That the secretary correspond with Prof. 
Scarff. 

.T. O. Wilson, President.^ 

A week later. May 25, the executive committee 
of Burlington University made the following 

record : 

The object of the meeting was stated to be the con- 
sideration of a circular call sent to us by Rev. E. H. Scarff 
of Pella, the object of which was to call an educational 
convention of the Baptist denomination of this state 'to 



'Des Moines College Records, 1865-1878, p. 159. 



178 Ton- (I Baptist Schools. 

consider our educational interests and decide the location 
of the Baptist University of Iowa.' 

On motion, the followins; pn'junldc un<l ivsolu- 

rioiis, after a full and froo discnsslon, wore nnan- 

imonsly adopted : 

Whereas we have had presented to us a call for a con- 
vention of the Baptists of the state of Iowa, to consider 
our educational interests, and decide the locality for th« 
Baptist University of Iowa, and, 

Whereas, we have strong doubts of (he advisableness of 
such a measure at present. 

Resolved, That while we are strongly in favor of a 
union of the various schools and educational interests of 
the state, providing a plan can be devised which will result 
in the establishment of one institution worthy of the united 
Baptist denomination of this state, yet we think it not best 
for this committee to unite in said call. 

Resolved, If such a convention be called we will be 
represented there, without agreeing to be bound by the 
decision of said convention and will be untrammeled by 
any pledge except to do whatever may appear to us to be 
demanded by the best interests of the entire denomination, 
irrespective of those of any locality. 

Resolved, That, as friends of Burlington University, we 
favor a union of all the Baptist institutions of this state 
upon these terms: That the amount of |200,000 be raised 
for an institution to be located at some eligible city or 
town which shall contribute most largely to such sum: 
that upon such sum being raised thp three institutions, 
Burlington, Des Moines, and Bella, should unite with it 
and transfer all their property to the same. 

On motion Hawley, Newman, and Hayhurst were ap- 
pointed a special committee to prepare and publish our 
views and reasons for our course as adopted, if considered 
l)y them necessary. Adjourned: 

T. AV. Newman, clerk. 

Note: Copy of preamble and two first resolutions sent 
to Scarff, May 26, 1870.' 

The lesnlt was that the foHowino' call was pnb- 
li.slied in the Standard for fonr «onserntiye issues, 
bejiiiininji' June 9 : 



* Burlington Collegiate Institute Records, p. 246. 



Report of Wt'^'fcr/i Advisory Committee. IT'J 

K(Iu<'H(ioiial C\>nv4*ii(ion. 

Whereas. There is a very general desire for uuion, and 
so far as practicable, consolidation of our educational inter- 
ests In Iowa, and. 

Whereas, In submitting the «iuestion of locality to a 
convention, the following points have been acquiesced in 
by the executive boards of the Des Moines and Pella 
schools: 

1. Thai (he convention be composed of delegates from 
the churches and existing boards; that each church in the 
state shall be entitled to one delegate, and one additional 
delegate if its membership exceed one hundred, and that 
each of the existing boards be entitled to three delegates. 

2. That any locality may compete for the location with 
assurance of due consideration of its claims. 

8. That they will at an early date appoint a committee 
to receive veritable propositions, report the same to the 
convention, and. 

Therefore, the undersigned, after considerable considera- 
tion and correspondence, unite in calling upon the Baptists 
of Iowa to convene in convention, at Iowa City, on the 12th 
day of July, 1870, at the hour of 7:30 o'clock p. m., to 
consider our educational inteiests, and decide the locality 
for the Baptist University of Iowa. 

Rev. .1. E. Lockwood, Rev. D. H, Cooley, Rev. Rich. 
King, Rev. A. Chapin, Rev. C. T. Tucker, Rev. .1. F. Childs, 
Calvin Craven, J. T. Mercer, .1. W. Denison, S. Harbert. 
Rev. P. S. Whitman, Rev. George Scott, Rev. S. H. Mitchell, 
Rev. E. Eaton, Rev. W. L. Hunter, Rev. W. R. Pattison, 
Rev. J. T. Westover, Rev. T. R. Cressey, Prof. A. N. Cur- 
rier, Rev. J. Sunderland, Rev. O. A. Holmes, Rev. J. V. 
DeWItt, Rev. J. C. Otis, Rev. J. R. Shanafelt, Rev. O. T. 
Conger, Rev. T. F. Thickstun, Rev. T. H. Jiidfeon. Rev. N. 
B. Homan, Rev. T. W. Powell, Rev. O. S. Cnttenden, Rev. 
E. Qunn, Hon. B. G. Bowen. E. H. SCARFF. 

In the issue for July 7, the call is repeated with 

tlie folh)wing addition : 

The above call contemplates a convocation of Baptists 
whose action must have a very Important bearing upon the 
educational interests of the denomination in this state. 
And as the action locating a first class college or university 
is to affect the whole Baptist brotherhood of the whole 
state of Iowa, it is hoped and expected that the pastors 
and friends of education in all parts of the state will inter- 
est themselves In this work and bring it before their people. 
It is greatly to be desired that the friends of education 
in all parts of the state take a comprehensive view of the 



180 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

enterprise and keep the single object of the convention 
before them, 'One Baptist University for Iowa." Let the 
will of the majority be law and heartily acquiesce in their 
decision. 

In tlie snino issue Pastoi' F. Adkins, of Iowa 

City, says : 

By request of Prof. Scarff I have secured for delegates 
attending the convention at Towa City, July 12, a reduc- 
tion of fare. 

Jnne 28, the followiiiii rocord a|t]>ears at Bur- 
lington : 

On motion of E. A. Van Meter, Hon. J. M. Beck, president 
of the Ijoard; T. W. Newman, secretary; and H. H. Hawley, 
vice president; were appointed a committee to represent 
this board at the educational convention at Iowa City on 
the 12th of July, with full authority to fill vacancies if 
either member of said committee should fail to go. 

July 1, tlie executive board at I )es Moines also 
apj)ointe(l its president, liev. J. T. AVestover, of 
Keokuk, Secretary J. A. Nasli, and the A-enerahh^ 
liev. T. R. Cressey, deh'j>a<es to this ineetinu', with 
power to till vacanci<^s. 

The in<»etin<i' was held in the r>a]»tist church at 
the time and i>lace api>ointed. A list of the dele- 
H'ati^s i>resent, with copy of th«' proceed inin's, Avould 
doubtless furnish an intei-esliiiii, link in this chain 
of history, as it was at the time considered a 
i'e]>resentative i»atherini»' of l>aptisls. 

Probably, the deleiiates a]>i)ointed by the Des 
]\roines (\)ll(\i»e board were ]>resent, namely: Tlev. 
J. T. Westover, Keokuk; Rev. J. A. Nash, Des 
JMoines, and Rev. T. R. Cressey, Des ^Nfoines. 
Amono' |h(» othei-s the f<dlowin_<j; names can be 
IGjiven : Rev. J. W. Denison, Denison ; Rev. Edwin 
Eaton, D. D., Muscatine; Mv. E. R. Rarron, Mc- 
Oreo-or; Mr. W. C. Woodworth. :Nrarshalltown ; 
Judive D. I). Greo-ory, Afton ; Rev. S. H. :\ritchen,^ 

' Brother Mitchell was invited to attend the convention 
by Pella. 



Report of Western Advisory Committee. 181 

Ames; itev. N. i>. Hoiutiii, rairview; Miltuu lieni- 
ley, Auaniosa; liev. L. V\'. HayUurst ami T. W. 
^'e^\luall, lUiilinj^ton; ami IJev. Dexter P. Smith, 
Iowa < Mty. 

Tlie I'olloNN iiii; i-es(>luti(»iis were adopted imau- 
imously : 

1. That it is the sense of this convention that our educa- 
tional institutions at Burlington, Pella, and Des Moines, 
hold themselves as, and attempt only the work ot tirst class 
academies, and that as such we recommend the Baptist 
denomination ol Iowa to cordially and liberally sustain 
them by their prayers, their patronage, and their means, 
provided that this resolution shall not be interpreted as a 
bar to the selection by this convention of either of these 
institutions as the one Baptist college of Iowa. 

2. That it is the sense of this convention that the Bap- 
tists of the state should unite in establishing one college, 
raising at least $;")(), U0(» as additional endowment, when 
some suital)le locality shall contribute $50,000 at least for 
endowment, besides proper buildings and grounds. 

3. That a committee of five, representing as far as pos- 
sible, all parts of the state, and not officially connected witli 
eitlier of tlie existing institutions, \)e appointed to receive 
propositions to locate the i)roposed Baptist college. 

Members of committee named were Baton, Barron, Wood- 
worth, and Gregory. ' 

The annual meeting of the J)e^s Moiue?^ Collej^e 
board eou\eiied .June 15, luit adjourned on aeeouut 
of the proposed Iowa City meeting, to July 11, 
1870. At this adourned meeting the rollowiug 
re[)oit was submit tc'd by the secretary of the com- 
mittee : 

Tlie educational convention at Iowa City lias been lield 
and adjourned. The general result was an almost unan- 
imous re.solve to go on immediately to establish a college 
which shall unite the entire denomination. 

A resolution was also adopted with nearly the ■ same 
unanimity to locate at some suitable place which, in addi- 
tion to proper buildings and grounds, shall lay down a 
subscription of $.")0,O00 endowment on an equal sum raised 
by the denomination abroad. It becomes us to see that 
the amount required by this resolution shall be duly raised 



'Iowa City Republican, .fuly 20, 1870. 



182 loica Baptist Schools. 

and presented to the committee appointed, which will make 
its final report at the state convention to assemble in Des 
Moines in October next. Until such final action be taken, 
but few measures looking largely to the future can perhaps 
be prudently adopted. Respectfully submitted, 

J. A. Nash, secretary. * 

The conveutiou at Des IMoines met October 24, 
as per adjournmeut of the Iowa Citj meeting. lu 
the absence of any minutes of the meeting, the 
foHowing report of it, published in the Daily Des 

]Moines Register of October 25, is inserted: 

The convention assembled in accordance with its 
adjournment at Iowa City, July last. Order was called 
by Dr. Eaton, who announced the fact of the appointment 
of a committee of five, at the meeting in July, to receive 
propositions for the location of the proposed Baptist col- 
lege. The minutes of the meeting held in Iowa City were 
read as a matter of information. 

The committee on location of college, reported that the 
duties assigned had been performed in accordance with the 
conditions required, but no propositions for the location of 
the institution were reported. 

It was voted that any delegate to the state convention be 
entitled to a seat in the educational convention. 

A motion to adjourn was here lost, after which Mr. 
Hayhurst took the floor and addressed the convention upon 
some questions of importance, which were suggested at the 
meeting in Iowa City — and important one, academic educa- 
tion. From an intimate acquaintance with the Baptist uni- 
versities, Mr. Hayhurst stated it as his conviction, that 
there is needed a general educational revival with the 
denomination. The Baptist institutions of the state are 
largely supported by the patronage of other denominations, 
or by the people of no particular religious predilections. 

Mr. Hayhurst suggested the propriety of abandoning the 
idea of establishing another school at the present, and 
that the efforts of the denomination be turned to the 
developing of a general educational revival. 

Dr. Hanley thought the best way to promote an educa- 
tional revival, to be the establishment of such a school as 
proposed, and accordingly, offered a resolution looking to 
the support of such an institution of learning at the capital 
of the state. 

Rev. Mr. Worcester desired to know what kind of a 
school is proposed to be established, whether ;i first class 
academy or a flrBt rlanf: univf^rFity. 

^ Des Moines College Record, 1865-1878, p. 174. 



Report of Western Advisory Committee. 183 

Dr. Hanley explained that he thought it possible to sup- 
port a flrat class college in Des Moines. 

Mr. Tilley thought there was a want of definiteness in the 
ftction of the convention. 

Mr. Prescott thought the Baptists of Iowa needed but 
one college; but it must not be expected that such an 
institution will come to maturity at once; it is a thing of 
Blow growth. Thought the denomination was allowing 
itself to be outstripped by other denominations. He wished 
to see this body take hold of the matter and locate an 
institution somewhere. 

The resolution offered by Dr. Hanley was laid on the 
table. A motion made to go into committee of the whole, 
for a miscellaneous discussion of the subject of education, 
was lost. 

A motion to consider the resolution before the conven- 
tion at Iowa City prevailed. The resolution is as follows: 

Resolved, That the sum of $50,000 be raised by the Bap- 
tists of this state, toward the endowment of a college, 
whenever any suitable locality for the purposes of the col- 
lege, shall furnish the proper grounds and buildings, and 
in addition a fund of at least $50,000 as a further endow- 
ment. 

A motion to re-affirm the action of the convention at 
Iowa City, in relation to the foregoing resolution, drew 
forth a lengthy and animated discussion. 

Judge Mott spoke earnestly in favor of taking a forward 
step in the matter. He did not wish the matter laid over 
another year. 

He had long waited for the denomination to establish a 
college worthy of its name. If other men had time to 
wait, he had not. 

Prof. Scarff thought the denomination had squandered 
means and labor long enough. It ought now to devise 
more liberal means. 

Mr. Holmes believed the time already at hand for the 
church to take measure for the establishment of an insti- 
tution. He believed propositions for its location would 
come in, as soon as assurances were given that the strength 
of the denomination will be directed to its support. He 
believed it the true policy of the church to give up local 
institutions and concentrate its efforts upon one. 

Mr. Schofield gave reasons why the church in Des 
Moines had not moved in the matter. In view^ of the fact 
that the church has already a school located here, he 
thought this the place to locate the university, and he 
beliered the $50,000 could be raised. 

Mr. Nash strongly opposed the plan of selling their col- 
lege by bidding for the propositions. If the convention will 



184 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

make a direct proposition to Des Moiues to locate a college 
there, then the people of Des Moines are ready to talk dol- 
lars and cents. 

iMr. Shanafelt stated that in conversation with a leading 
business man in Des Moines, it was intimated to him that, 
if the church could allow a year or eighteen months for 
raising the $50,000, and with proper assurance on the part 
of the church, that the amount could and would be raised. 

After a discussion of nearly two hours, the previous 
question was called by Mr. Rupert, which occasioned a 
sharp and somewhat confused discussion upon a point of 
order, resulting in the withdrawal of the call for the 
previous question. 

A vote was then taken upon an amendment to the original 
•resolution, making a direct proposition to Marshalltown, 
which amendment was adopted. 

The following substitute was then offered by Mr. Cooley, 
which was adopted by the convention with but two dis- 
senting votes: 

Resolved, That the convention unite in making Des 
Moines the seat of the one Baptist college, and pledge our- 
selves to raise $50,000 as an additional endowment; pro- 
vided that Des Moines raise $50,000, in addition to the 
present grounds and buildings, by July 1, 1871. If the city 
of Des Moines fail to raise, in good reliable pledges, this 
sum, by the specified time, we make the same proposition 
to Marshalltown. 

On motion of Judge Mott, an executive committee of five 
was appointed to superintend the raising of the proposed 
fund, on the part of the church, in case the proi)osition be 
accepted by the city of Des Moines. The committee are 
Judge Mott, chairman; Nash, Holmes, Eaton, and Sunder- 
land. 

By vote of the convention the time fixed for raising 
the $50,000, on the part of the church, is one year from 
January 1, 1871. Adjourned to meet at the call of the 
executive committee. 

Immediately on adjournment of the education conven- 
tion, the state convention was called to order by Judge 
Mott, to finish up some unfinished business, after which it 
adjourned sine die. 

The good people who atteii<h^d this eouventioii, 
like tlie preceding ones of these pioneer days, w^tc" 
full of entluisiasm and full of hope. It was en- 
tirely safe to pledge any locality in Towa a nniver- 
sity on condition that ^50,000 a\;is vniscd. Des 
Moines had already been canvassed a niindter of 



Report of Western Advisory Committee. 185 

times for money to erect and finish its one college 
building, and probably not a very large percentage 
of what had l^een "raised," on paper, had ever been 
paid. People were liberal enough Avitli what they 
had, but that Avas not mone}'. 

The discussions and conclusions of tliese early 
meetings, as well as of later ones, tend to sliovr rbe 
Aery general and strong conviction among Iowa 
Baptists that our educational woi-k ought to be 
unified. 

The annual report on ministerial education sul)- 
mitted this year showed total . receipts and ex- 
penditures of the union to be nearly f 1,300, and 
seA'enteen students for the iiiinisli'v aided, eight 
at Chicago, five at l>urliugton, three at Shurtleff, 
and one at Kochester, N. Y. This was becjiuse Dr. 
Dexter 1*. Smith was secretary of tlu* union, and 
AA liatever he undertook to do he did Avith a will. 

The next year. May 24-25, 1871, there assembled 
in the First Kaptist church, Chicago, another large 
body of representatiA'e leaders in the denomination. 
It met under the call of the Avestern advisory com- 
mittee, and the convention Avas again o})ened by 
Dr. S. S. Cutting, secretary of tlie national com- 
mission, folloAved by another array of able paper;; 
and addresses. Among the number present are 
seen many familiar names, such as Alvah Dovey, 
]Marliii 1>. Anderson, Henry G. Weston, vSamsou 
Talbot, A. H. Strong of Ohio, Kendall Brooks, II. 
L. Morehouse, A. Owen, and EdAvaid Olney of 
Michigan, H. L. Wnyland and Silas Tucker of 
Indiana, O. W. Northi'up, A. N. Ariudd, W A^'. 
Everts, J. Bulkley, William M. ITaigh, aud J. A. 
Smith of Illinois; also thirty delegates and visitors 
from ToAva, most of them representative men in 



186 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

their localities, but very few of the number no?k' 
living. They ^\ ere as follows : 

Des iMoines University — Rev. J. V. Bchofield, Rev. Luth«r 
Stone, Rev. J. W. Denison. 

Iowa Baptist Union — Rev. Thomas Biaude, Rev. J. F. 
Childs, Rev. D. H. Cooley, Rev. S. K. Leavitt, Rev. Dexter 
P. Smitli, D. D. 

Cedar Valley Seminary — Prof. Alva Bush, Rev. H. H. 
Burringtou, Rev. A. T. Cole, O. A. Goodhue, M. D., Rev. 
Asa Marsh. 

Visitors — Rev. George M. Adams, Rev. P. Adkius, Hon. 
J. M. Beck, Rev. C. Brooks, F. M. Bruner, Rev. N. S. Bur- 
ton, D. D., Rev. R. A. Clapy, Rev. O. L. Crittenden, Prof. 
Amos N. Currier, Rev. R. R. Hanley, Rev. L. W. Hayhurst, 
Rev. Robert Leslie, A. Mink, Rev. C. H. Remington, Rev. 
E. P. Savage, Rev. J. N. Seeley, Rev. P. S. Whitman. 

A tJiird convention met at Philadelphia in Ma}', 
1872, at which many new names of men then and 
since prominent in American Baptist history' took 
part, lowd was represented by Presidents Dunn 
and Nash. Judge Francis Way land presided, and 
Barnas iSears delivered the opening address. The 
proceedings of both these meetings were published, 
tlie latter lilling over two hundred pages. 

Tlie primary purpose of these great gatherings 
and discussions was to awaken a wider and deeper 
interest among out- people in supporting and 
filliug up our academies, colleges, and theological 
schools as agencies for carrying forward and 
stiengtliening the churches in the work of world 
e\aiigclization. The trend of discussion was in 
favor of establishing and maintaining one college 
or university in each state, as far as practicable, 
with as many academies as could hope to receive 
ade(iuate c.jnipmen' and eudowmfMit, and tijcn to 
unite in raising them to the liighest efficiency. 

These meetings made a profound impression 
upon the denomination. Througli their publislied 
proceedings, and through the denominational press, 



Report of Western Advisory Committee. 187 

a marked impetus was giveu to the work of the 
schools generally, and a wide interest awakened in 
the denomination. 

To carry forward this great Avork the organiza- 
tion of the American Uaptist Educational Com- 
mission A\as completed, with an executive commit- 
tee in New York, and eastern, southern, and west- 
ern advisory committees at Boston, liichmond, and 
Chicago. The Avestern advisory- committee con- 
sisted of Drs. J. A. Hmith, G. A\ . Northrup, Jesse 
B. Thomas, G, S. Bailey, A. A. Kendrick, and J. H. 
Griffith of Illinois, Kendall Brooks of Michigan, 
Hampson Talbot of Ohio, Henry Day of Indiana, 
Ijexter P. ^mith of Iowa, Daniel Bead of Min- 
nesota, and Milo P. Jewett of Wisconsin. 

It A\ as through this Avestern ad\-isor3- committee, 
after consultation with Central and Des Moines 
Colleges, that Dr. S. S. Cutting, of New York, 
came to Iowa City, October 31, 1872, to consult 
representatives of these schools in regard to unify- 
ing the AYork in Iowa. Pella and Des Moines sent 
delegates, each school having a representative and 
accredited delegation at the meeting. 

There were present from Central College, Presi- 
dent L. A. Dunn, Rev. E. C. Spinney, pastor of 
Baptist church at Pella ; Kev. Daniel Jewett, Bella, 
and others. From Des Moines, Kev. J. P. Childs; 
Oskaloosa, A. Abernethy, and others. Burlington 
was represented by letter. 

After the meeting was called to order in the 
Baptist church, Dr. S. S. Cutting, of New York, 
secretary of the Am. Baptist Educational Commis- 
sion, stated the object of his visit to tlie state, to- 
wit, to ex|)ress the desires of himself personally 
and of the executive committee of the national com- 



188 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

mission to render any aid in their power toward 
►securing unit}' and co-operation of ettort among 
tile iUiptist scliools of tlie state. . 

Tile representatives of tlie schools were invited 
to present their views regarding the situation and 
the most favorable method of securing the end 
souglit. After listening to the views of the 
lepresentatives of the two schools, they were each 
asked, if they desired to have a committee from the 
national commission visit the state and examine 
the situation personally, with a view to gi\'ing 
advice, liepreseutatives from both schools ex- 
pressed such a desire. They were asked if they 
weic v»i!ling to defiay their share of the expenses 
of such a visit. J>oth answered in the affirmative. 
They were furilier asked if their schools would 
pledge to abide by the result of the commission's 
decision, if rendered. Koth replied that sucli ])Ower 
had not been delegated to tlieui. 

At this meeting the writer copied and has pre- 
ser\ ed the following summary of President Dunn's 
statement of Central's claim for consideration as 
the place for locating the Iowa IJaptist college. 

Iowa City, Iowa, October 31, 1872. 
Central University of Iowa, founded in 1853, lias now 
a tliree story (and basement) l)uildiug, Ijrick, 40 by 68 
feet, eight acres (railroad cuts corner off). Value of prop- 
erty, $30,000; endowment, $15,000: mortgage, $2,000 for 
current expenses and agency. lias educated five editors, 
five physicians, fifteen ministers, twenty-four lawyers, four 
hundred teachers. Is in a place free from temptation, 
moral atmosphere. Easily sustained, easy of access, 
healthy, religious influence good, voters one-half Holland. 
Has (October 31. 1872.) seventeen in college classes, 
twenty-five seniois or suit- freshman students, seven teachers. 

Pledgv read by I'lesiilent L. A. Duuii: 

We, the undersigned, agree to pay the sums annexed to 

our names for every one thousand dollars paid into the 

treasury east of Chicago. 



Report of Western Advisory Committee. 181) 

It was filially agreed that the re|>res«^iitative8 of 
tlie two schools should iireseiit their elaiuis in 
writing to the western aflvisory committee at 
Chicago, with docnmentary evidence. 

At a s])ecial meeting of the Pes Moines College 
board, held Jnly 15, 1878, the following resohviion 
was ado]ited : 

In response to request of educational commission it was 
Resolved, That the board of trustees of the University 
of Des Moines hereljy sulamit the educational interests of 
the Baptists of Iowa, so far as they are concerned, to the 
western advisory committee and to the national educational 
commission, with au earnest desire for early counsel and 
advice, with the pledge on the part of said trustees to 
acquiesce in the decision of our commission in the matter. 
Adopted.^ 

A meeting was held in Chicago in December, 
1<S73, at which the ])residents of Pella and Des 
^Foines were present with their documentary facts. 
The outcome was that the advisory committee sent 
to loAva in Jnly, 1874. its special committee to 
examine the schools in person, and report. This 
committee consisted of Dr. J. A. Smith, of the 
Standard, Chicago; Hon. Milo P. Jewett, Milwau- 
kee; and President Kendall Prooks, of Kalamazoo, 
Mich. This committee visited Pella, Des Moines, 
and Burlington, in July, 1874. After returning 
to Chicago they formulated and signed their report 
which was published in the Standard, Augu.st 20, 
1874. It was as follows: 

At a meeting of the western I'dvisory committee, under 
appointment by the National Baptist Educational Commis- 
sion, held in Chicago on Tuesday, the 28th of .July, 1874, 
the committee to visit Towa, by request of brethren in that 
state, and to give advice upon the subject of the location 
for the denominational college or university in Iowa, pre- 
sented a report, which we publish below. The report was 



'Des Moines College records, 1865-1878, p. 277. 



190 Iowa BaptiM Schools: 

approved by the committees, but as it seemed desiral)le 
that when ])uljlished it should bear the endorsement of 
the executive committee of the commission in New York, 
the chairman was instructed to send it to T>r. Cutting with 
that view. In returning it. Dr. Cutting states that no 
meeting of the executive committee can be had before the 
last of Septeml)er, and advises that without waiting for the 
endorsement of that body the report be at once published. 
From Dr. Cutting's letter we take this paragraph: 

'The dispassionateness and fidelity with which your com- 
mittee has performed its duty should be satisfactory to all 
men. You have shown no partiality, except for the cause, 
and that the general and hearty adoption of your conclusion 
would promote the cause, seems to my mind very clear.' 

In another part of his letter he says, 'Should the ques- 
tion of an Iowa college ever he bi-onght east for securing 
contributions in money, and be submitted to the judgment 
of the executive committee, the facts and reasonings of 
disintere.'^ted western men, as set forth in this report, 
would be entitled to a very conclusive consideration in 
determining the recommendations of that committee.' 

Report of the Committee. 

The appointment of this committee was occasioned by a 
suggestion made some time since, that the question of 
location for the Baptist state college, in Iowa, having lie- 
come a complicated and difTicult one, should be referred to 
the executive co7rimittee of the National Baptist Educa- 
tional Commission, in New York. The reason for such 
reference was that brethren not heretofore enlisted in the 
question, and looking at the facts without committal in 
any sense, might be expected to give advice which the 
denomination in the state could follow v/ith good results. 
Brethren interested in the location at Des Moines were 
wiliing to so refer the question at-solutely. Those at 
Bella felt themselves with good reason, unable to do so, 
inasmuch as the property there held had been acquired 
with conditions and mutual understandings by which the 
board of trustees are honorably bound. Burlington having 
of late years come forward less actively as a claimant for 
the location the question of reference was there less con- 
sidered than in the other two cases. 

The arrangement In this form, however, having become 
impracticable by reason of the ill health of the secretary of 
the commission, which put it out of his power to visit the 
west at the present time, the reference proposed was 
finally made to the western advisory committee, by whom 
the undersigned were instructed, as a special committee, to 
visit the three points, Burlington, Fella, and Des MoineS; 



Report of Wesiern Advisori/ Committee. 191 

and after inquiry and consultation, to report to the advisory 
committee what action in their judgment would in the 
circumstances be proper. The mission was a delicate one, 
and by no means without its difficulties. The committee 
have sought to discharge it with all deference to the judg- 
ment of Iowa brethren, with due consideration for the fact 
that only in peculiar circumstances, and even then only 
as expressly invited, could they with propriety have under- 
taken such a mission at all, and also and especially in a 
spirit of fidelity to the grave interests involved. 

The committee find institutions of learning established 
and in operation at all the three points named, each with 
more or less claim to represent the denomination in the 
state, in at least an incipient college organization, and each 
with evidence of denominational action, earlier or later, 
more or less distinctly recognizing this claim. Of these 
three institutions, that at Burlington stands first in point 
of age, having been founded in 1852. Pella dates from the 
year following, 1853. The school at Des Moines was 
opened in 1866. We find each institution in possession 
of real estate property, and endowment funds or subscrip- 
tions, as follows: At Burlington, the building and grounds, 
valued at $37,000; city lots, six in number, valued at 
$9,000; land in Missouri. $1,000; fund drawing interest, 
$13,000; total, $60,000. At Pella, building and grounds, 
$40,000; endowment subscriptions, unconditional. $10,500; 
scholarships. $8,186; other assets over all liabilities, 
$1,680; total. $60,266. Toward the endowment of $50,000, 
now being raised, there is also a subscription amounting to 
$20,852, conditioned upon the whole sum of $50,000 being 
secured. At Des Moines, building and grounds. $50,000; 
endowment subscriptions, $20,000; verbal pledge of a citizen 
of Des Moines, regarded as reliable, $10,000; total, $70,000. 
Upon the property there is a debt of $9,000, toward the 
payment of which $6,000 have been subscribed, leaving a 
balance of $3,000. At Burlington and Pella the property 
Is unencumbered. 

It will be seen that the figures given the committee at 
the three places sum up nearly the same. Of the three, 
however, Burlington alone has an endowment fund actually 
collected and invested; the endowments at the other two 
places being still in the form, at least mainly, of subscrip- 
tions and notes. We do not give the estimated values of 
library and apparatus, as these are highly imperfect in 
their character, especially at Pella and Des Moines; those 
at Burlington being superior to what we found at either of 
the other two places. 

The attendance of students the last year was, at Bur- 
lington, 65; at Pella, 204; at Des Moines, 160. As respects 



192 loiia Baptist Schools. 

average age of t^tudents, Des Moines and Pella would seem 
to have the advantage of Buiiington, while Pella alone has 
had an organized college course, graduating two at its lust 
commencement. 

As respects denominational action, with reference to the 
adoption of one or the other of these institutions as the 
state college, the committee find that such action was had 
at conventions, either the state convention in its regular 
sessions, or conventions called especially with a view to 
this question. These special conventions, particularly as 
affecting Pella or Burlington, were held in the compara- 
tively early days of the state, when a representation from 
all parts of it was hardly practicable, so that but a small 
number of churches appeared by their delegates. The acts 
of the conventions were to a considerable extent conflif ting, 
in some instances directly so; being decided by the cir- 
cumstances of the friends of the one or the other school, 
finding the place of assembly convenient of access. The 
latest of these conventions, held, we lielieve, in 1870, and 
which seemed to strongly favor Des Moines, was not con- 
clusive in its results. This result took the form of a ])ropo- 
sition to the citizens of Des Moines that upon the condi- 
tion that $5 0,000 toward endowment should be raised by 
them, the denomination in the state would add another 
$50,000, and locate the college in Des Moines. The condi- 
tions of this offer were not met, and however, the action 
of this convention, said to have been a large and influential 
one, may be of value as indicating views of brethren as to 
the deslralileness of Des Moines as a site for the state col- 
lege, it can not be regarded in the light of a derision to 
locate the college there. 

Tn view of all, the committee are of the opinion that 
these acts of convention, viewed as expressions of the 
denominational will in the case, should be thrown out of 
the question. No one of them seems to have been such in 
its characeter and form as to pledge the whole of Iowa in 
favor of either one of tlie three locations. Meantime, it is 
only now, or very recently, that it has become practicable 
to judge of the whole question in the light of its true con- 
ditions. It seems necessary, before deciding where the 
educational center of the denomination in a great state 
shall be. to know where other things center, and this can 
only be after the state itself has acquired a considerable 
degree of development. We think it wiser for the Bap- 
tists of Iowa to look at the question, as much as possible, 
as if it were now a new one, and to try it faithfully upon its 
merits. 

The committee, besides, have felt it right to make much 
of the fact that both the state of Iowa and the deuomi- 



Report of Western Advisorjf Committee, 193 

nation in it are justified in looking forward to and plan- 
ning for a great future. The recognized educational cen- 
ter should, we think, be chosen with a view to this. What 
will those who shall bear the denominational responsibility 
and do its work, after we have all finished our work, and 
have gone hence, see and say that the choice in this regard 
ought to have l)een, at the time when it was ))eing made? 
Under the pressure of this consideration the comniitlee have 
felt that they ought not to be too much influenced in their 
judgment and in the advice they give by the fact of a school, 
whether more or less advanced, already in existence fit 
either one of the three points named. They could say 
much of the enterprise and zeal shown at Burlington dur- 
ing the twenty-two years since the institution was 
founded; of the excellent work in education which has 
been done there in former years, and of that which is now- 
done under the judicious management of Prof. Wortmau. 
They might speak in very warm terms of the self sacrificing 
labor at Pella. of the new promise assumed l)y the insti- 
tution there, under the enterprising direction of Dr. Dunn, 
of the efficient services of its faculty and the earnest spirii 
.shown l)y its 1)oard of trustees and it financial agent. 
Rev. Mr. Wood. The alumni of both institutions numlier 
successful and useful men in perhaps all the professions, 
especially in the f^aptist ministry; and these former i)U])il.s 
remember the schools to which they owe so much with 
warm and grateful interest. The committee might liear 
testimony, also, to the excellent service in teaching by the 
faculty at Des Moines, and the honorable record which 
the institution there has already won among the schools 
of the state. The question, however, does not turn upon 
any of these considerations. What, in itself, and in if.s 
whole pi'oniise for the fnfiiro, is the true center of educa- 
tional i>laii.s and educational woi'k for the Bapti.st.s of Towa? 
This is the question submitted to this committee, and we 
dare not evade it, under any pretext whatever. 

The committee assume that the Ba])tists of Iowa wish 
their college to be in every respect deserving of the college 
name; that they do not accept any college in the state, of 
any denomination, nor even the state university itself, as 
representing all which they mean and propose when they 
speak of a Baptist college for Iowa. However, they may 
need time and enlarged opportunity for realizing their 
ideal, we do them the justice to proceed upon the assump- 
tion that this ideal is worthy of the denomination they 
represent, and that they are planning for a college wiiich 
shall one day equal the best. Inasmuch, besides, as the 
university name has been adopted in each of the three 
instances here considered, the committee presume that the 



104 Jowa Baptist Schools. 

simple college does not complete the educational scheme 
inoposed, but that professional and scientific schools are 
contemplated, in addition, such as will justify the name of 
"university" so adopted. Proceeding upon this assumi>tion, 
the committee will briefly indicate those conditions of the 
question here examined which in their judgment should 
control its decision.: 

1. The first necessity of an institiition projected upon 
this scale is adequate buildings. The new building now 
occupied at each of the places named is a fair one for the 
use of an academical or collegiate school. A complete 
organization would very soon find either of them, even the 
best, which is at Des Moines, quite inadequate. Under 
what conditions might it be hoped that such increase of 
buildings could be most readily and most seasonably 
secured? To the committee it seems clear that this will be 
in some place of considerable population, where the cit- 
izens have wealth and enterprise, and where a pride will 
))e felt in having such buildings as complete and perfect as 
possible. 

2. Next are endowments of professorships. The equip- 
ment, in this particular, of a first class college or university 
is a great undertaking. The original estimates for this pur- 
pose are almost always found inadequate. The effort must 
be renewed again, and yet again, with a coml)ination and 
use of all available advantages. The Baptists of Iowa will 
not only need to concentrate their strength in the work all 
that is possible, but to concentrate it at a ))oint where they 
will work with, not against the essential tendencies of things. 
They will need all the help they can possibly have from 
local interest on the part of opulent men. and all that can 
be gained through the ])restige of a location conceded to be 
in itself the best. Both in and out of the state, intelligent 
and thoughtful men will ask, as a first question, where is 
this great school to be located? What are to be its sur- 
roundings? What its local patronage? What influences 
tending to help forward a right training in students will 
the social character of the place supi)ly? What opportu- 
nities for contact with intellect, culture, those inspirations 
which quicken and which help to mould the student mind? 
If able to answer all such inquiries satisfactorily, the work 
of raising endowments need not be a forced work. The 
enterprise is its own justification, and men will see that 
they are asked to give money where, as an educational in- 
vestment, it has the promise of adequate returns. 

3. The equipment of a college, or a university, apart 
from the professorship endowments, is in these times not 
only an important, but a difficult part of the undertaking. 
In nothing, perhaps, are the newer institutions of this 



Report of Western Adviaoru Committee, 195 

kind more often found deficient and Inferior. Sisrh an 
institution needs, in this regard, to find friends among per- 
sons of wealth and culture who will feel an interest in 
helping forward its acquisitions in library or art store;;, 
or those who in the interest of science, will take pleasure 
in helping to provide it with apparatus or enrich it with 
museums. 

4. Should an university organization be proposed, such 
an organization is really practicable, in these newer states. 
only at those points where the co-operation of professional 
men of talent and eminence can be secured, and where 
professional and scientific interest tends to concentrate. 

5. It scarcely need be said that the most accessible and 
the most central location, other things being equal, is 
always to be desired. 

The committee are clear and unanimous in their judg- 
ment that there is only one place in Iowa where these several 
conditions are fulfilled in such a degree as to warrant the 
belief that an institution of a thoroughly creditable char- 
acter and of the grade proposed, can be there built up. 
They believe that these conditions are in an eminent degree 
fulfilled at Des Moines. Indeed, the beauty and salulirity 
of the place, the enterpri.'^e, wealth and oilture of its cit- 
izens, the natural concentration there, as the capital of the 
state, of talent, professional eminence, and social refine- 
ment, its accessibility, owing partly to the fact that it is 
geographically central to such an extended district, and 
partly to its present and prospective railway facilities, all, 
in the degree that we find them, seem to characterize it as 
one of the best, if not the best location for such an insti- 
tution as here proposed, to be found west of the Mississippi. 
The committee, too, have reason to believe that were the 
denomination in the state to energetically and unitedly 
enter upon the work of founding their state college or 
university there, the citizens would come forward liherally 
in aid of the enterprise. They have the assurance, also, 
from one of the foremost lawyers in Iowa, that 
simultaneously with the opening of a complete college 
course, a school of law mis^ht be opened under the tuition 
of some of the most eminent legal gentlemen in the state, 
the expenses of tuition l)eing met by the fees of students. 
So strongly are the committee influenced by these convic- 
tions, that they would regard themselves as delinquent to 
a most important trust, if they were to do otherwise than 
advise the denomination to make the very utmost of the 
splendid opportunity at Des Moines. 

That this city is the capital of the state ought not to be 
regarded as a serious objection. Indeed, the committee 
are of the opinion that considerable misapprehension pre- 



106 loir a Baptist ScJiooIs. 

vails upon that subject. It is certain that Columbia Col- 
lege owes largely its present promise of a newer and 
luighter career to the fact of its location at the capital of 
the republic. It might not have found elsewhere so munif- 
icent a patron as Mr. Corcoran, nor, certainly, would there 
have been available for it the magnificent educational ap- 
paratus now offered it by the government, in the Smith- 
sonian Institute, the Patent Office, and the Congressional 
Library. Doubtless, a certain class of influences concentrate 
at the capital of the state or nation, which are undesirable; 
l)Ut these are to be found, more or less everywhere, while 
in the larger towns, with their more cultivated circles, there 
are social counteractions which in the smaller towns, where 
student habits find little to control them, are much less 
.sensibly realized. The tendency of the times, besides, is 
to fix the educational centers at those points, central in 
other respects, where helps of many kinds are found upon 
the spot, and impulse and inspiration are supplied to all 
surroundings of the school. Indeed, the competition 
among higher institutions is already so strong, and the 
standard of excellence increasingly so high, that this be- 
comes a necessity. 

The committee are particularly desirous not to be under- 
stood as implying any disparagement of the other two 
l^oints that have been named. Burlington affords very 
many of those advantages which we have indicated as 
desirable in the location chosen. We find there a popula- 
tion of some 25,000, with cultivated social elements, and 
large wealth on the part of other citizens, besides Baptists, 
which might be made available in the interest of a Baptist 
college. The fact, however, of the location upon the ex- 
treme eastern Ijorder of the state is, in the view of the com- 
mittee, an objection that becomes conclusive, when they 
find at Des Moines a central location with all those other 
advantages, and some, which at Burlington would be lack- 
ing, that belongs to Des Moines as the state capital. 

Pella is a pleasant ])rairie town, offering the advantages 
of quiet and comparative seclusion. We find there, how- 
ever, and we say it in all respect, very few of the recog- 
nized attributes of a university town. Its population of 
some 3,000 is one-half Hollander; tlie best, perhaps, of the 
various foreign elements among our people, but all the 
same not liltely to supply the sort of local help which Iowa 
Baptists will need to find in the great work of building 
their college. We feel bound by our convictions of duty to 
say that we think the prosecution of a first class college 
enterprise at Pella will be a work forced and difficult, and 
that the result must be doubtful and unsatisfactory for a 
long time to come. The location of the place so near Des 



Report of Westeiii Advisory Committee. 197 

Moines creates a peculiar embarrassment in the determi- 
nation of this question. The fact that the board consider 
themselves pledged to a college organization is another dif- 
ficult element. If it were a question how to evade the 
complications of the present, we should decide for Pella, 
but as it is a question how to anticipate and provide for 
the certain claims of the future, we could not so decide 
without being false to our own clear convictions. 

Were our advice as to the location of the college for the 
state to be accepted, we should propose that the brethren 
at Pella be left to work on as they feel they must and 
best can; satisfied in our judgment, however, that 
their wisest aim would be a first class academical or col- 
legiate institute. \\'e would propose the same for Burling- 
ton, with the added suggestion that the preparatory course 
there be made more complete, by including in it Greek, and 
perhaps some other studies. The result of our inquiry and 
consultation l)eyond this is, that for the college or univer- 
sity that shall be their great work in education, the Bap- 
tists in Iowa should l)e advised to select their location at 
Des Moines. 

In conclusion, the committee would express their cordial 
appreciation of the courtesy and every way considerate 
attentions of brethren and friends at each of the three 
places visited. Every opportunity was afforded for obtain- 
ing the information needed, while in every respect their 
mission was made, in case it shall prove effectual to a good 
result, one which it will be always pleasant to recall. 

Respectfully submitted, 

J. A. Smith, M. P. Jewett, Kendall Brooks, 

Committee. 

Published by authority and in behalf of the western 
advisory committee of the National Baptist Educational 
Commission. 

J. A. Smith, chairman, 
G. S. Bailey, secretary. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
A Second Movement for Co-ordination 

The Coiiiniittee of Filtoeu. 

1880-1886 

Evidences oi: uiirest witbiu the denomination at 
the unsatisfactory' condition of our educational 
Avork in the state kept manifestiuj> themselves from 
time to time as the jears passed. 

In 1880, Ilev. D. D. I*ropei' Mas the pastor of the 
East Des Moines Baptist church, and also secre- 
tary of the Des Moines College board. lie A\'as fa- 
maliar with the several schools in a general way 
and knew of the public sentiment among Iowa 
Baptists regarding them. He had become thor- 
oughly impressed with their unsatisfactory condi- 
tion and outlook. Little was doing at Burlington. 
Dr. Dunn was about to give up work at Pella. 
There were but few students and a discouraging 
outlook at Des Moines, and a like condition exist- 
ed up at Osage. During the autumn of that year, 
Secretary IMoper took it upon himself to invite 
Drs. L. A. Dunn, of Bella, and xMva Bush of Osage, 
and Prof. D. F. Call, the prospective head 
of Des Moines, to a conference at his 
home. These brethren met according to ap- 
pointment and spent a day and most of 
the following night iji discussing the existing 
conditions and various proposilioiis hjoking (oward 
unilication. It was an informal conference held 
by mutual agreemeiil to inipiiie if «ome basis could 

198 



The Committee of Fifteen. 199 

uot be devised for general actiou by tlie deuomiua- 

tiuu. No tangible ie«uU« eaine from the ineetiug, 

but it foreshadowed a seeoud notable movemeut 

for co-ordiuatiou. 

W'lieu tile slate eoiiveiiiiou met a little later at 

Mason City, J)r. JUisli presented the following 

resolution \\hieh was adopted: 

That in view of the recognized imijoitauce oi educational 
work in tlie state, a committee be appointed to report upon 
the present condition and worli of the various denomina- 
tional schools of tlie state, and recommend to this conven- 
tion at its next annual meeting such measures for their 
increased usefulness as they may deem wise. 

The eommitlee named were lievs. H. ( Jarton, \V. 
1£. iStifier, C. IJ. iMoscrip, A. Robinson, li. 0. 
IJiistol, W. A. WVlseher, and T. J. Keith. 

At the next anniversary (his committee reported 
tiirough its chairman, "That tliey liad attended to 
their duties and desired simply to report progress.'" 
Other resolutions regai-ding education at this 
gathering were as follows: 

That the presidents of our denominational, colleges and 
schools be requested to confer together in recommending to 
our churches a day of prayer for our institutions of learn- 
ing. 

That we recognize tlie paramount importance of our 
educational work, especially in training and providing an 
efficient ministry; and we recommend to tlie cordial sup- 
port of the churches the new movements in our institutions 
of learning, and in the union for ministerial education look- 
ing in this direction. 

31arch 2(1, 188:.', President (larduer, of Central 
College, jjrepared the following letter addressed 
to the Des ^loines College board, secured its a])- 
]>roval by his executive committee, ami presented 
it to the l>es Moines board at a sjiecial session 
AjU'il 4, of that year : 

Gentlemen and brethren — The cause of liigher Christian 
and denominational education in our state is one of com- 
mon interest to you and to us. It is but too painfully 



200 Iowa Baptist Schools. 



evident that in the past the Baytiat denomination has not 
done all it should have done in this direction. The causes 
which have led to this deficiency have been many, but spe- 
cially two, viz., a lack of interest and a division al' effort. 

It is greatly to be hoped that in the future, as our young 
but giant state shall come to its fuller development and 
maturity, the subject of higher education will come more 
and more to the front, and that our own denomination 
especially will see the need of educating our own sons and 
daughters in our own schools as a matter of denominational 
economy requisite for our growth and strength. In regard 
to the second point, it is of supreme moment that our 
divisions, and especially our local and personal prejudices 
and rivalries, should give place to union and harmony and 
combined effort. In no other way can we do the work 
demanded of us, and pass over to our children and our 
successors in this great Christian stewardship, the trusts 
which have been committed to our hands. 

Have we rightly judged that during the recent past 
there has arisen a desire on the part of all true friends of 
denominational learning, for a united and concentrated ef- 
fort at the most available centre? This is a question too 
broad and too wide reaching in its involved interests to be 
decided by simple personal preferences, or by local and 
individual considerations. Any available centre, with a 
united moral support, is better for all concerned than any 
other centre without it. 

Possibly, the question, therefore, has come to bear largely 
a business aspect. In the present condition of affairs, what 
rs the available centre of united effort? Our own institu- 
tion, during the past year, has providentially come into a 
condition of present and prospective financial strength that 
seems to assure its permanency and buccessful work. Our 
increased endowment funds are, however, bound to this 
one local centre. They are available for a united and vigor- 
ous effort only here. This especial condition apilies to 
about $30,000 of assets received since last June, and this 
same condition has always held in regard to our real estate, 
including the campus and the college building thereon. 
We are sacredly bound, therefore, to build on this founda- 
tion to the best of our ability. So far, then, as the matter 
of endowment is concerned (a matter which seems to us 
vital to the question), this would seem to be the only 
available centre for united and successful effort. 

Are we justified, then, gentlemen and brethren, in cor- 
dially inviting you to a generous co-operation with us, and 
in asking that, in such ways 3m may seem practicable and 
mutually satisfactory, you will transfer your interest and 
moral support to this educational centre, with the under- 



The Committee of Fifteen. 201 

stauding that in case of such co-operation it will be our 
pleasure to place upon our board of trustees, at the earliest 
opportuuity, a ropresentaLive quota of the members of 
your present board. Is not the time now ripe for such a 
movement? Would it not be hailed with a benediction by 
the friends of Christian learning both in and out of the 
state? We have ventured thus far, brethren, thinking that 
in the exigencies which, we are informed, have come upon 
you, so much may be due to you and the cause we all love, 
as a matter of Christian and brotherly courtesy on our 
part, and at the same time hoping that the way may thus 
be opened for a consummation devoutly to be wished. 

Feeling assured at least that you will respond to our 
advances in the same spirit of unprejudiced candor in which 
they are made, and praying that Divine Wisdom may direct 
alilie in all your deliberations and in our own, we are, 
gentlemen, in l)ehalf of the executive committee of Central 
University, 

Yours most truly and cordially in the cause of Cliristian 
learning. 

Signed: 

George W. Gardner, president, 
Theodore E. Balch, chancellor, 
T. F. Thickstun, secretary. 

Pella, Iowa, March 26, 1882. 

The above paper was read in the presence of the board 
of trustees of the University of Des Moines at a special 
meeting, April 4, 1882, by Dr. Gardner, Cliancellor Balch 
also being" present. 

T. F. Thickstun, secretary. 

Ill 1882 the coiivHutioii siinplj reHolved: 
That we hereby express our sense of the importance of 
education as a factor in the growth of Christ's kingdom, 
and we urge upon the churches the necessity of supporting 
our schools more cordially and substantially. 

In the Sioux Cit}' conventioii of 1883, Dr. G. S. 
Bailey, of Ottuiiiwa, submitted quite a lengthy 
report on eduvatioual A\'ork, describing the condi- 
tion and work of the schools, and urging the sup- 
port by the denomination of a first class Christian 
college and tliree or t'ouv good academies. The 
report was adopted by the convention, and referred 
to the board for printing. 

At the Des Moines convention of 1884, a report 
on educational work submitted by Chairman W. 



202 Iowa Baptist iichools. 

H. iStiller, of Davenport, urgiug vigorous prosecu- 
tion ol our work for Cliiistiau educatiou, was 
adopted. 

At tlie Waterloo meeting iu 1885, Kretbreu H. 
JJ. Fosliett aud IJ. 11. Tripp of the committee ap- 
pointed tlie year previous submitted another 
lengthy report in\olviug some important ques- 
tions, the concluding paragraph being as follows : 

The relations involved iu these questions have a mutual 
interaction. The institutions can take a creditable position 
alongside of similar institutions and supply denominational 
necessities, and challenge support, confidence, and goodwill, 
only as the denomination furnishes the means for so doing; 
nor win the denomination furnish such means unless the 
institutions are placed in such relations and conditions 
as to deserve all the confidence and good will which can 
be given them. In the adjustment of these relations may 
come the solution of the 'problem which yet remains,' an 
adjustment which shall recognize the principle of true 
economy in the administrative department of the institu- 
tions, and which shall secure the largest measure of good 
will from the denomination. That there is at present some 
want of adjustment must be apparent. 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF FIFTEEN. 

Earl}' in 1880 an etfort was inaugurated to unite 
the (Central and i>es Moines Universities, or 
academies, as they really should have been called 
at that date, for that Avas their real rank, xipril 
21, of that year, Kev. W. II. Dorward, then huau- 
cial agent at Pella, came to Des Moines with a 
proposition signed by President D. IJead and other 
friends of Central University, suggesting to the Des 
Moines board, that tlie two boards send out a <ir- 
cular to all the churches iu the state, asking them 
to indicate answers to the following (]uestious: 

1. Is it desirable to try longer to maintain both Central 
University and the University of Des Moines? 

2. If not, is it desirable to unite the two institutions? 

3. If so, would you favor a university at Pella or Des 
Moines? 



The Committee of Fifteen. 203 

4. Or, would it be best iu view of both the past aud the 
future to uuite the two aud locate at some uew place where 
the largest iuducemeuts might be offered? 

Tlie executive board oi: tke college voted to 
sauctiou tke seudiiig ol such a circular by the 
board at i'ella, aud approved the moveiueut to 
uuite the schools. 

A mouth later Trol". li. H. Tripp, oi" Ceutral Col- 
lege, came to Des Moiues with auother proposition, 
namelv, to have each board appoint tif teen brethren, 
aud this thirty add hfteeu more ''to \\ hich each 
board shall agree to submit all questions of loca- 
tion, organizatiou of uew board, etc/" The annual 
meetings ol the two boards were held early in 
June, aud committees appointed by each to arrange 
a plan for unitiug the two schools. Friday, June 
18, the two committees met at Des i.ioiues, i'resi- 
dent D. liead, and Trustees L. Is'. Call, of \Vebster 
City, and Chailcellor S. F. Trouty for Fella, aud 
Trustees W. H. Dickinson, C. M. Brink, aud W. A. 
Cain for Des Moiues. After some preliminary con- 
ferences. 

Rev. L. N. Call introduced a resolution recommeuding 
the general boards to submit the question to a commiBsiou 
of fifteen, five to be chosen by each board and they to select 
five more, no resident of Pella or Des Moiues, nor mem- 
ber or ex-member of either board to be member of said 
committee. 

The resolution was passed, W. A. Cain, of the 
Des Moines board, dissenting. 

Both boards having assented to this proposition, 
the Poll a board named Hon. A. J. McCrary, 
Keokuk; Hon. G. W. Dickens, Coinpetine; Thomas 
Beal, Corydon; Rev. A; Cleghorn, D. D., Marcus; 
and G. G. Clemmer, Hampton. Tlie Des IMoiues 
board named Kev. W. H. H. Avery. Oenison ; Hon. 
G. L. Joy, Sioux City; W. S. Goodell, Fmerson ; 
A. K. Sutton, Grand Junction; and E. P. Savage, 



204 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Cliutoii. The live udditioiial memberfs ol" Liie pro- 
posed eouimissiou agreed upon A>ere, Amos 
Weaver, Keota; William Aitchisoii, Jr., Cascade; 
C. E. Higgins, ludependeuce ; J. ^^^ JJurdette, 
liinliugtou, J. J. Tollard, iSigoiiruey. 

The l"ollov>'ing official report of. Secretary Savage 
of this committee gi\es the essential facts regai'd- 
iug the oi'gauizaliou, worlv, aud hudiug of the com- 
mittee : 

The coiiaulidatiou of Pella and Des Moines. It has 
already been announced in the Standard that a movement, 
looliing toward this result was on foot. It has long been 
felt that a unification of Baptist college interests in Iowa 
was most earnestly to be desired. But it was a matter 
that could be handled only with the utmost care. In fact, 
there were but two bodies in Iowa that were in a position 
to accomplish anything in that direction, the board of the 
Central University and the board of Des Moines Univer- 
sity. Owing to past history and present conditions it was 
fitting that the board of Central University should take the 
initiative in any movement of this kind. This at last they 
have done. They made overtures to the Des Moines board 
to refer this wliole question to a committee of fifteen, 
chosen under certain instructions that were specified. Both 
boards agreed to abide by their decision and each agreed 
that in the event that the other should be the favored one 
it v/ould transfer to the custody of the one chosen whatever 
property of the college under their care was transferable, 
and abide by the decision of the committee in good faith. 

According to the terms of this mutual agreement each 
member of the committee must be a member of a Baptist 
church in Iowa, but none of them should be persons who 
are now or ever have been members of the board of either 
university, or resident within ten miles of either Pella or 
Des Moines. Those chosen by the board of the Central 
University were Hon. A. J. McCrary, of Keokuk; Hon. G. W. 
Dickens, of Competine; Thomas Beal, of Corydon; Rev. A. 
Cleghorn, D. D., of Marcus; G. G. Clemmer, of Hampton. 
The board of Des Moines University chose Rev. W. H. H. 
Avery, of Denison; Hon. George L. Joy, of Sioux City; 
W. S. Godell, of Emerson; A. K. Sutton, of Grand Junction; 
Rev. E. P. Savage, of Clinton. These two committees met 
in the High Street Baptist church in Des Moines, 
August II, and jointly chose five others as follows: Rev. 
Amos Weaver, of Keota; Rev. William Aitchison, Jr., of 



The Conimitiee of Fifteen. 205 

Cascade; Rev. C. E. Higgins, Independence ; Hon. J. W. 
Bnrdette, Burlington; J. J. Pollard, Sigourney. 

The committee organized by the selection of Hon. George 
L. Joy, chairman, and Rev. E. P. Savage, secretary, and 
proceeded to the careful and prayerful consideration of the 
work committed to them. The financial secretary of the 
University of Des Moines laid, before them a e-larement of 
the condition of that institution, which was duly verified. 
The committee visited the university in a body, inspected 
the building, the campus and its surroundings, and then 
on the evening of the 12th of August, proceeded to Pella, 
and listened to a statement of the financial condition of the 
Central University presented by its chancellor. Prof. S. F. 
Prouty, which was likewise verified. The next day build- 
ings, apparatus, campus and surroundings were duly in- 
spected, with addresses by the president, Dr. Read, Rev. 
I. J. Stoddard, Prof. Prouty, Mr. Nollen, a banker; Dr. 
Dunn, and Prof. Tripp, presenting the history and claims 
of the institution and the advantages of its location, in a 
most able and forcible manner. The entire presentation, 
the earnestness and persuasiveness of the utterances were 
all that could have been desired by the most ardent friends 
of the college. In the afternoon of the 13th, the committee 
retired alone in executive session. Every member had 
l)een present at every session and divine guidance had been 
most earnestly and prayerfully sought. All were deeply im- 
]iressed with the delicacy and difficulty of the trust, the 
importance, even the soundness of the responsibility laid 
upon them. All expressed the feeling that in view of all 
the interests involved, the tender and sacred associations 
of the past, the strongly rooted affections, the great hopes 
and expectations, the financial interests, and present and 
prospective concerns of greatly diversified character and 
importance, they would gladly have evaded the responsibil- 
ity and declined to pronounce a decision that according to 
the terms of their appointment must be in either case 
destructive to one or the other. On the other hand, all 
realized that they had accepted the trust in good faith. 
The i)ast history of the educational interests of Iowa Bap- 
tists, with the unfortunate and sometimes unhappj' and 
acrimonious differences arising from the endeavor to 
establish two universities where but one could be even 
passably well sustained; also the knowledge of the fact 
that it had been at the cost of much effort and persuasion 
that the movement had been brought about, and that if 
the committee failed to render a decision it might be 
many years before the prospect of the unification of our 
educational interests in Iowa would again present itself, 
that and other considerations conspired to impress the 



-Of) lonm BuptiH HvhooU. 

committee with the conviction that however disagreeable 
the task a decision ought to be rendered. 

After a full, free, and courteous interchange of views a 
ballot was taken and the majority of the votes being in 
favor of Dea Moines, it was unanimously voted to recom- 
mend Des Moines University to the cordial support of the 
Baptists of the state. 

Thus at length, after so many years of differences this 
matter has progressed so far toward a harmonious adjust- 
ment. The memliers of the committee can not hope that 
their decision will meet the unqualified approbation of all 
of the friends of both institutions in the state. But they 
have the consciousness of having discharged their obliga- 
tions in this matter to the best of their ability, faithfully, 
as in the sight of God. It is their earnest desire that all 
the fi'iends of education will aquiesce in the endeavor to 
liuild uj) the college chosen, that it may occupy the posi- 
tion of influence and usefullness worthy of the Baptist 
denomination in the state of Iowa. Let the past be remem- 
bered only as an incentive to present activity. Let the 
advantages only of the chosen college be dwelt upon. What 
good can now be accomplished by invidious comparisons 
and unfavorable criticism? Let all join in one earnest 
effort to advance the cause of Christ through Christian 
ctlii' ah'on in Iowa. 

R. P. Savage, secretary of the committee.' 

A( tlio ]8S(> convention held at Cedar Rapids the 

eonnnillee <»ii edneational work niipoiuted the 

]*revions .vear\ ie]K>rted tlironoh TJev. A. W. Fuller, 

as follows: 

The educational work of the past year has been full of 
hope and characterized by important changes. 

Burlington College, under the able management of E. C. 
Spinney and a p.trong faculty of instruction, has enjoyed a 
high degree of prosperity. Two hundred and fourteen 
students have been in attendance, two of whom have 
the ministry in view. The present term opened encourag- 
ingly, with the lai'gest senior class the institution has had 
for many years. 

Cedar Valley Seminary is making advancement. One 
hundred and fifty students were enrolled during the year 
ending June, 1886. Seven were graduated from the four 
years' course. Four students are preparing for tlie minis- 
try. A new building, similar in size to the ladies' hall 
erected last year, is in jn-ocess of erection. Throughout 



'Des Moines College records, p. 170. 



The Committee of Fifteen. 207 

the year a good degree of spiritual life and activity have 
heen manifest. 

At Des Moines University the work during the year has 
gone quietly on. The number of students enrolled last 
year was fifty-seven. The number of teachers employed, 
four, with some help from a fifth teacher. We have en- 
rolled thus far on the new year forty-five students, four of 
whom are studying for the ministry, and one young lady, 
who has pledged herself to the work of missions. 

Central University for the year ending June, 1S86, was 
prosperous. There was a good degree of religious interest 
manifest during the year. Several young men were in at- 
tendance who had the ministry in view. 

The committee on educational work, appointed by this 
convention two years ago, embodied in their report the 
statement that "the Baptists of Iowa are destined to have 
at least four educational institutions for higher education." 
The present committee, in the light of recent developments, 
lielieve that this destiny has been altered. 

The movement inaugurated during the past year, looKing 
toward the consolidation of Central University and the 
University of Des Moines, was hailed with delight by the 
entire Baptist denomination, both within and without the 
state. The conviction has long prevailed that union at 
any point in the state is better than a divided effort in at- 
temi)ting to maintain two separate instituvior.s. Consolida- 
tion has been looked upon as absolutely essential to enlarged 
educational work. The Baptists of Iowa have long been 
willing to consolidate at whatever material sacrifice. They 
have only looked for the opportunity of giving expression 
to this sentiment. That opportunity is now before us. 

In the recent movement toward consolidation. Central 
T^niversity took the initiative. The plan was mutually 
.Tdopted by the two schools that a committee of fifteen, 
five appointed l)y each school and five by this joint com- 
mittee of ten, should visit both institutions; listen to the 
claim of each: investigate thoroughly the standing and 
condition of each, and determine by ballot which of the 
two schools shotild hereafter be the one Baptist college of 
Iowa. 

Both institutions pledged themselves to abide by the 
decision of this committee of fifteen and to cause the trans- 
fer of all transferal)le property, according to such decision. 

The brethren convened at the August meeting of the 
board of our state convention, previous to the decision of 
the committee of fifteen, and passed a strong resolution, 
Itledging sup])ort to the decision of the committee. This 
resolution was the express views of the members of the 



208 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

board, and, we believe, indicates the sentiment of tho Bap- 
tists of the state who are interested in educational progress. 

The decision of the committee of fifteen was in favor 
of Des Moines as the location of the united institutions. 
The board of Central University rejected this decision, and 
secured from the courts a writ of injunction on the board 
of Central University, restraining them from carrying out 
the decision of this committee. That Central University 
should break faith at this juncture is exceedingly to be 
regretted. Esijecially so since she herself had taken the 
initiative in this movement, after she had api)ointed her 
meml)ers of the joint committee; after she had consented 
to the expenses acci'ued in the meetings of the board and 
committee, and after she had in good faith presented her 
claims before the committee in favor of consolidating both 
schools at Pell a. 

Brethren of the convention, your committee l)elieve tho 
time has come when the unity of Baptist sentiment in edu- 
cational matters should be given full expression. We be- 
lieve such a unity exists. Baptists are ambitious to have 
an institution that will be an honor to the denomination, 
and that will be equal in standing and influence w^ith 
schools of other denominations. Only by willing and 
united effort can this end be accomplished. For years the 
hopes and aspirations of Iowa Baptists have pointed to 
such a consummation. Shall it lie done? Shall we unite 
heart and hand in this advance movement? 

In conclusion, your committee earnestly recommend 
that at this gathering the fullest possible vote be ta,ken in 
expression of our sentiments concerning the present state 
of affairs; that by ballot without discussion we ratify the 
decision of the committee of fifteen, and thus also confirm 
the resolution passed by our board at their August meet- 
ing. The committee further recommend that in taking 
this vote, each person voting place upon the ballot his 
name and the church of which he is a member. 

Let us walk with one heart and one soul to the support 
of the one Baptist college in Iowa, and bu.ild it up on a 
solid and permanent basis. Thus and thus only may we hope 
for an institution of learning worthy of the great denom- 
ination which we represent. 

A. Weaver, W. H. H. Avery, J. B. Thom.ns, Dr. D. Read, 
B. R. Lewis, A. W. Fuller. 

TIip i-(']><n'1 wn« af1ont(Ml l>y a Im'oe ninjorilv. 
See Iowa Baptist Aiinnal.. 188(>, })p. 10 and ('>.""). 



CHAPTER TX. 

A Change of Policy 

In 18S7 (lie slalc convcnl ion met a( Osage, aiul 
ihc ('((luinil ice <m e<hu"itionnl woi-k, api»oin(o(l liic 
year ]>r«*\i<»iis, iiuide (luiir r(.*])<)rl wliicli was 
ado])((^(l wiili but one dissent i nit,- V(M<\ Ilorarssc 
nf the value of the rejmrf itself, and l)ecaiise il 
veciunniended a chanii'e of jjoliev, il is inserled in 
fnll: 

"Your oommittee on educational work respectfully pre- 
sents the following report: 

The subject of higher Christian education is becoming 
more important and more vital each year, and the ques- 
tion how we shall provide the best facilities for the young 
men and young women of Baptist families to obtain that 
intellectual and Christian culture that will meet our real 
needs is still pressing upon us. 

The fact, however, stares us in the face that we must 
piovide schools of Christian learning which shall offer ad- 
vantages equal to the schools of other denominations, or 
our young people will go where such advantages can be 
enjoyed. 

Many of our young men each year go to eastern colleges 
to pursue a course of study, and not unfrequently the very 
brightest scholars, such as we greatly need to assist in the 
development of our growins; state, are detained there by 
large salaries, or the prospect of more inviting fields: and 
many more who remain in the west are attracted into 
schools of other denominations, and not unfrequently are 
lost to the Baptists. 

To provide schools equal to the best of other denomina- 
tions is an imperative necessity for the Baptists of Iowa. 

When we seriously consider this suject, involving as it 
does so many grave questions of buildings suitable and suf- 

209 



210 loir a Baptist Schools. 

ftcient, of furniture, of appliances for illustrative teaching, 
of libraries and endowments, we are compelled to believe 
that the state convention as such can not give the time and 
attention to this matter that it deserves. Moreover the 
state convention is essentially a missionary, and not an 
educational l)ody, and the mission work of our state should 
be regarded as our most important work as a convention, 
and ought to be pursued with greater vigor than ever be- 
fore. The rapid development of the newer portions of our 
state, the pio.iection of new lines of railroads, the new 
towns springing up along these lines, demand a more vigor- 
ous prosecution of our whole missionary work. 

Tf in addition to these imperative and pressing demands 
made upon our state convention, we attempt to meet the 
scarcely less important needs of our educational work, w« 
shall be liable to let the interests of either one or both 
suffer. In view of these and other facts it has seemed to 
your committee a most desirable result if our educational 
work might at this point in our history become organized 
in a more thorough and comprehensive manner, and per- 
haps organized as a distinct society, separate from the con- 
vention work. 

We make now no ultimate recommendations as to the 
main question, ))ut would simply open the way for an intel- 
ligent consideration of the subject at some future time. 

We would make these limited recommendations, viz: 
that a committee of six be appointed to take into consider- 
ation the propriety of calling an educational convention to 
meet in connection with the next annual meeting of this 
b©dy, and that this convention shall, if they think advis- 
able, i>roceed to organize an education society, which shall 
b« in auxiliary relation to, and ready to co-operate with 
th« "American Baptist Education Society" suggested at the 
anniversary of the Home Mission Society at Minneapolis, 
should such a society be organized. 

Tf such a society should be formed it might be thought 
advisable to have it in some way connected with our so- 
ciety for ministerial education, and so consider the whole 
question of Christian and ministerial education together. 

All of which is resi)ectfully sultmitted. 

L. N. Call, H. B. Foskett, D. H. Cooley, F. L. Wilkins. 
M. T. V. Bowman, Committee. 

Prt'sidoiit ]iiir<loit<' lj«ter ninionnoefl the follow- 
ing? <-ominittpt' on <'<1 neat ion a.*i ]»rovi«led for in the 
above rei^ort : J. P.. Thomas, F. L. Wilkins T. R. 
Evans, J. C. Maple, and E. E. Lewis. 



A Change of Policy. 211 

The next aiiuiial convention met at Ottumwa, 
October 23, 1888. The educational convention hav- 
ing assembled, Chairman Thomas read the follow- 
ing call : 

To Iowa Baptists: — 

Whereas, The undersigned were appointed by the Iowa 
Baptist State Convention of 1887, a committee "to take 
into consideration the propriety of calling an educational 
convention to meet in connection with the next annual 
meeting'" of that body, and 

Whereas, The sense of the Baptists of the state, so far 
as we can gather it, seems to be that such a meeting should 
be held, 

Now, therefore, we hereby call such convention to meet 
at the First Baptist church of Ottumwa, at 7:30 p. m., 
Tuesday, October 23, 1888. All regular Baptists of Iowa 
are entitled to participate in the proceedings and all such 
interested in education are particularly urged to be pres- 
ent. 

J. B. Thomas, E. B. Lewis, F. L. Wilkins, T. R. Evans, 
J. C. Maple. 

The committee also presented the following 
nominations for temporary organization : For 
moderator, Rev. C. O. Smith, of Anamosa ; for 
clerk. Rev. W. R. ^Nlatteson, of Clinton, who were 
elected. 

Chairman Thomas presented the views of the 
committee as to the nature, purpose, and work of 
the proposed organization, after which it was 
voted to form a permanent organization, and the 
following committee was appointed to draft a 
constitution for this purpose: Rev. J. R. Thonms, 
R. Garton, H. L. Stetson, L. A. Dunn, and A. 
Abernethy. At an adjourned session, Chairman 
Thomas submitted the ^following, which was 
adopted : 

Constitution. 

Article 1. Name. The name of this organization shall 
be the Iowa Baptist Education Society. 



213 loirn BaptiM School fi. 

Article 2. Object. The object of this society shall be 
the stimulation of a deeper interest in Christian education 
among the Baptists of Iowa. 

Article 3. Members. The convention shall be composed 
of delegates from the churches, annual members and life 
members. Each regular Baptist church may be repre- 
sented in the convention by three delegates for the first 
fifty meml)ers or less, and one additional delegate for every 
twenty-five over the first fifty. Any member of a Baptist 
church may become an annual member by the payment of 
$2.00. Any person while retaining connection with a 
Baptist church mav become a life meml)er by the payment 
of $20.00. 

Article 4. Officers. The officers of this society shall be 
a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, and an 
executive committee of seven members, three in addition 
to the above named officers, all of whom shall be elected 
annually by ballot. 

Article 5. Meetings. This society shall meet annually 
for the election of officers and the transaction of other 
business at such time and place as the executive committee 
may designate. 

Article 6. Changes in Constitution. This constitution 
may be altered or amended by a vote of two-thirds of the 
members present at an annual meeting, provided, -however, 
the amendment proposed shall have been submitted in 
writing and the proposition sustained liy a majority vote 
at the previous annual meeting, or shall be recommended 
by a two-thirds vote of the executive committee, provided 
notice of the amendment shall be included in the call of 
the meeting. Respectfully sul)mitted. 

Signed: .T. B. Thomas, H. L. Stetson. R. Carton, Alonzo 
Abernethy. 

TW foiiitli iiiemboi- of the (•oimnitteo to draft 
n coiistitiitioii, Pi-esidont L. A. Dunn, of Polla, 
tlioiii»li sittiii!^' witli the coiniiiittoc, whilo it was 
foi'innlatefl, rlid not sign the report rooonimendinc: 
its adoption. His objoetion to tlio orijanization 
beino- tiiat the society niioht be nsed to promote 
the int(M'ests of certain scbools. To obviate this ob- 
jection Rev. TT. L. Stetson, of tlie First Uaptist 
cbnrcb, T)es Moines, moved the ado])tion of tbe 

followinij resolution : 

That neither Des Moines or Pella shall be presented to 
nor receive recognition from the Baptist Education Society 



A Change of Policy. 213 

so long as tliej' shall both remain in existence as Baptist 
institutions. 

Tiiits resolutiuii uiiis adopted, and i'rejsideut 
Duun withdrew his objection to the organization. 

Durini^ rliese aiiniM'i>;aiies papers were read by 
ile\. E. J I. Hulbei't, I). J)., of the Union Theo- 
logical t:^eminaij at Morgan I'ark, Hon. J. J. 
i'oweli, Cedar Kapitls; and Trof. A. Abernethy, of 
Usage. Con\('ntion voted to extend the hearty 
thanks of the con\ention to these three brethren 
for their excellent addresses. Voted to request the 
publication of I'rof. Abernethy's address in the 
Stautlard. The Iowa Uaptist l^xlucation Society 
A\;is organized. Tlu' following officers were elected: 
Hon. J. J. Powell, president; Kev. L. A. Hall, vice 
]>resident; W. It. .Matiesou, secretary; Hon. J. V. 
Hinchiaan, treasurer; executive coniniittee, Kev. 
J. IJ. Thomas, IJev. V. L. Wilkins, and Rev. (\ C. 
Smith. 

l*rof. Abernethy's .uhli-ess was as follows: 

EUUCATIONAIi ORGANIZATION. 

An Education Society is Needed in Iowa to Awaken More 
Interest in Higher Bdueation Among Our People. 

Seventy years ago Edward Everett and President Kirk- 
land, of Harvard University, founded a scholarshii) for the 
benefit of needy young students in that institution. The 
first choice fell upon George Bancroft, who immediately 
accepted the opportunities thus afforded to carry forward 
his studies. Fifty >ears later, the great historian himself 
gave $10,000 to found another scholarship; "to requite." 
as he says, "the benefits, and emphatically to acknowledge 
the indebtedness." Can anyone doubt the wisdom of such 
gifts, or the wisdom of all practicable agencies for awak- 
ening interest in higher education? 

The reports of the United States Commissioner of Educa- 
tion lor the last fifteen years show that fi'oni five to ten 
million dollars are annually given to educational institu- 
tions in this country. Harvard alone, has In the last fifty 
years had five and a half million dollars added to her en- 
dowment. 



214 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

The schools of the west receive as yet but a small pit- 
tance of these generous benefactions. And yet the endow- 
ments and other assets of Iowa colleges, even, are growing 
at a not very unsatisfactory rate, taken in the aggi'egate. 
Three Iowa gentlemen have in the last few months given 
one of Iowa's older schools $20,000 each out of their mod- 
erate and somewhat recently accumulated fortunes. The 
number of students in the denominational schools of Iowa 
has doubled within a very few years. There is an awaken- 
ing interest in this country in the holy cause of Christian 
education. The Baptists of Iowa ought to join in this 
awakening. They ought to realize more clearly than they do 
that to give their children the fullest advantages of higher 
intellectual, moral and religious training, under the best 
Christian influences, is incomparably the best thing they 
can do for them. It was an Iowa Baptist school that edu- 
cated the most successful missionary worker in modern 
times. Our schools, though yet "a feeble folk," have al- 
ready sent out scores of consecrated ministers and mis- 
sionaries, and yet how few of our people know anything of 
this work or have ever given a dollar towards it. My 
brethren, is it not the greatest denominational interest we 
have today, and shall we not unite in forming a society to 
aid us in looking after these interests? 

A society is needed again 

To Stimulate Interest in Our Own Schools. 

Our 26,500 Iowa Baptists reported last year $206,000 
contributions in their church letters, or a little less than 
eight dollars per member. Eighty-eight per cent, of this 
was applied to current expenses, permanent improvements, 
Sunday school and mission school work. The remaining 
twelve per cent, was divided not very unequally between 
state convention, foreign missions, home missions, publica- 
tion society, and denominational education; making less 
than twenty cents a member for any one of these objects, 
and less than seventy cents for all of them together. The 
amount reported for denominational education, including 
what was raised for ministerial education, endowment 
fund and current expenses was but $2,839, or less than 
11 cents per member, and less than one and a half per cent, 
of our total reported contributions. Admitting the incom- 
pleteness of these statistics, and making all due allowance 
for omissions, there can be no doubt that the percentages 
of contributions are all wrong, if the purpose be to build 
up Christ's kingdom. 

These benevolent and beneficent enterprises which ap- 
peal so strongly alike to the convictions of our judgment 



A Change of Policy. 215 



and to our sympathies, ought to receive a mucli larger per- 
centage of our contributions. Without it, we can not hope 
to maintain the missionary spirit in our churches; witliout 
it the sceptre shall surely depart from Judah. Especially 
is the need for education just now pressing. Our youth 
are being educated elsewhere, or being left uneducated. In 
the homes of our 26,500 Iowa Baptists there are at a low 
estimate 10,000 young iteople between the ages of 15 and 
21. Not more than two or three per cent, of these young 
Baptists are in Baptist schooLs. The Methodists of lovra 
are doubtless educating in their four colleges and several 
academies more Baptists than we ourselves are. The Con- 
gregational and Presbyterian schools together in their five 
colleges and other schools are educating not less than the 
Methodists. Othei' denominations are taking their share, 
and it is not impossible that the Catholic schools, even, 
here and elsewhere, have nearly as many of our girls as 
our own schools have. Many are in our state and non- 
sectarian schools. Few of these schools exert any positive 
Christian influence. 

The worst feature of it all is, that lacking schools of our 
own of sufficient influence to attract our interest, or com- 
mand our support, our children are sent nowhere to school. 
If Baptist faith holds its own in Iowa, in the future, it does 
not appear how we of this generation are going to get much 
credit for it. 

It may be hel]>ful to consider what others about us are 
doing. It is not easy to ol)tain entirely reliable statistics, 
especially for the purposes of conii)arison, but I give the 
following as approximating the truth: Our Methodist 
brethren enrolled last year in their colleges and academies 
not less than 2,(t00 students. The Congregationalists and 
Presbyterians, together, about the same number. The 
Disciples over 000, and even the United Brethren nearly as 
many. Our four schools had during the same period be- 
tween 400 and 500. These facts are not only against us, 
l)ut they are alarmingly against us; and the discouraging 
feature of it is that the longer this continues, the worse it 
gets, and the more difficult it will be to recover the lost 
ground. Again: 

To Devise >feans for Improving Our Schools. 

The Baptists of Iowa have not lacked in the pur- 
pose of promoting Christian education. They have 
simplv failed to put their convictions into practical exe- 
cution. They have lacked the power of organized, united, 
persistent effort. History says that early in the year 183 4, 



2^16 loiva Baptist ^chooh. 

lour years before the Territory ol luwa. was organized, two 
Baptists crossed the Mississippi river among the earliest 
permanent settlers on the soil ol" Iowa ; and in October of 
the same year united with nine others, who had in the 
meantime come into the settlement, in organiising the first 
Baptist church. Five years later, the denominational census 
showed three churches and ninety members. The first as- 
sociation was organized with ten delegates. "The entire 
business of the meeting," we i-ead, "was transacted while 
nine of these delegates sat in a row on a log, and the 
moderator stood before them supported by the back of a 
chair." Five years still later, when in 1844 five hundred mem- 
bers were reported in the newly organized Territory of 
Iowa, while their ministers and delegates were asseml)led 
in the third annual "Territorial Association for Missionary 
Purposes," as the body was then designated, they 

Resolved, That the establishment of an institution of 
learning at some eligible point in the territory, by the Bap- 
tist denomination is a subject of vast importance, and that 
it is the duty of this convention to take immediate and 
vigorous measures toward the consummation of this object. 

Such was the earliest sentiment of Iowa Baptists, that 
denominational education was "a subject of vast impor- 
tance," demanding "immediate and vigorous measures for 
its consummation." Such I believe is the latest sentiment 
of Iowa Baptists. In the succeeding ten years of our Bap- 
tist history there was much educational discussion, resolu- 
tion and procedure that is neither pleasant to read nor to 
hear. The local and locality strifes of this period have 
extended, at intervals, all down our history, and have had 
their full measure of influence in paralyzing efforts to 
promote what all believed ought to be promoted. Our 
brethren started out right in this matter, but they soon fell 
out by the way, perhaps I should say, rather, they soon fell 
out. When brethren fall out by the way it is bad enough, 
but when they fall out it is far worse. 

After all, however, it concerns us little what our fathers 
did. It concerns us much what we do. We may or may 
not be proud of their record. But shall they, Avhen the 
final history is written, or shall they not, be proud of the 
record we make? The fact remains that we have not the 
Baptist schools in Iowa to command the influence and the 
support of Iowa Baptists, and are not likely to have soon, 
if the whole subject is left to local management. As a 
matter of fact, the higher schools must creato. at least 
largely, the demand for higher education, not the demand 
for higher education create the higher schools. 

There is no sufP.'-ient reason why we need be discouraged 
by the past. There is ©very reason why we should join 



A Change of Policy. 217 

hands in promptly, earnestly and strongly improving the 
schools we have. We are not yet defeated if we will but 
act upon the reply of the intrepid Dessaix to Napoleon at 
Marengo, when he said to his chief, pointing to the descend- 
ing ana in the western sky, "There remains an hour be- 
fore sundown, and liiiio enough to fight another battle and 
win a victory." 

We have, now, the foundation for schools that may yet 
honor Iowa Baptists. Let ns not talk about hopeless con- 
ditions, and damaging comparisons. Give Iowa Baptists 
another fifty ye;n-s, and they may then have more schools, 
and stronger schools, and more students, and more endow- 
ments, even than any of the New England states, or even 
possibly any other one state in the Union. 

We need a society again, 

To Secui-e and Disseminate Fuller Information on the 
Subject of Christian Education. 

"To furnish," as Dr. Morehouse argued at Washington, 
"a suitable arena for the consideration of facts and ques- 
tions pertaining to our educational work." There is no 
subject that will mure (luickly or more thoroughly interest 
an Iowa Baptist church, today, than this very subject we 
are considering. If the National Education Society goes 
forward in its work, it needs the aid of an auxiliary in 
Iowa. They can be mutually helpful, and can mutually aid 
the cause of higher Christian education. In any case, the 
vital and paramount importance of Christian schools to 
denominational growth needs a full and general discussion. 
We all need more light on this subject; to learn what are 
the facts, and Avhat history and experience can teach us. 

The eloquent Dr. Eaton, of Louisville, Ky., declared in 
the Washington convention last May, that "the denomina- 
tion that takes hold of this work most heartily will be the 
denomination of the future." Of like tenor is the report 
of the venerable Dr. Hague, at the Baptist educational con- 
vention in New York City, in 1870, when it said, "A great 
denomination failing in the diffusion of mental culture 
throughout its whole area, must soon cease to keep step 
with the march of civilization; fall to the rear, and sink, 
at last into a condition of inoRlciency, inferiority, and utter 
disintegration." Are these things so, brethren? And, if 
they are, what i;i our duty; what is present duty? " 

Again, do we not need a society 



218 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Tb Aid in Providing an Adequate Ministry for Our. 
Churches. 

There is au ever increasing demand for educated min- 
isters. Ministers wlio lack tlie grasp and the grip of 
thorough and vigorous training are losing their hold on 
our churches and congregations. Their places can only 
be filled by men who are "thoroughly furnished" for their 
worlc. Where shall they come from except out of our 
Christian schools? If every fourth church in Iowa is now 
pastorless, how shall these pulpits be filled and the new 
pulpits to be set up? And, how shall we fill the places of 
those pastors who are falling by the way? Surely, not by 
putting uneducated men in their places. It is an educated 
ministry only that makes a permanent ministry. It is a 
notable fact that uneducated ministers drop out of the 
ministry at a comparatively early age, while their better 
educated brethren remain in the harness. It is, in fact, 
the educated minister that enjoys the long pastorate, that 
feeds his flock and leads his flock. An educated pew can never 
be fed, or ever be led, from an uneducated pulpit. Mr. Spur- 
geon has said, "The most important work of the church is the 
multiplication of laborers." The effectual way to multiply 
laborers is to train up laborers out of our homes, our 
Sunday schools and our churches. Then shall they obey, not 
in word only, but in deed and in truth, that command 
which reads, "Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, 
that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." 

To Maintain and Increase the Lay-Power of Oui* Churches. 

The lay-power of the church has become of great im- 
portance; and its influence increases year by year. The 
methods of Christian labor are ever multiplying. The busi- 
ness-management of the church belongs to the laity, men 
and women; the Sunday school work, the mission work, 
the benevolence, the charity, the social, the duties of hos- 
pitality, the going out into the highways and hedges, and 
.compelling the homeless and wanderers to come in. We 
need in every church both men and women thoroughly 
educated and possessing the personal power and training 
to have charge of these lines of Christian work; also to 
fill their share of the responsible public positions in both 
social and civil life, and in the professions, and in the 
marts of business, to aid in moulding public sentiment 
aright. We need them in the associations; and ought to 
h9,ve a host of them interested and active in our state con- 
vention and state work. But where shall su#h men and 
women come from, who are thoroughly loyal to us; where 
shall they come from in adequate numbers, except from 
our own schools? 



A Change of Policy. 219 

That We May Make Provision to Do Onr Whole Duty to 
Our Children, Religiously and Educationally. 



If we continue to entrust our children to the public 
schools only, and to be satiafied with what they shall obtain 
there of training for the duties of life, nearly all of them will 
enter its activities with the elementary education only; and 
with the minimum of personal trained power derived there- 
from. How forcibly and beautifully and eloquently was 
this subject portrayed in the address of last evening. So 
far as the personal power of education goes, they are lame, 
and halt, and blind. 

A writer in the current number of the Century, just at 
hand, enforces this position in an article entitled. "Chris- 
tianity, the Conservator of American Civilization." I can 
quote two sentences only. "The common school system 
will not do the work of the education that we need, for 
that system, if it were practically efficient, deals only with 
children." * * * "We cannot, therefore, rely for the 
education of the masses upon the public school system." 
Some of Mr. Patterson's conclusions are clearly wrong. He 
does not see tlie whole truth, but his premises are correct. 
If, instead of relying on the public scliools we send to the 
state and non-sectarian schools, the intellect may be 
quickened and strengthened, but, too often, at the expense 
of character and faith-training, which is of infinitely greater 
value. If we send them into schools where the social and 
religious atmosphere is hostile to the faith and practice 
which we hold to be fundamental, are we not in danger 
of the charge of infidelity alike to parental and denomina- 
tional obligation? "Our young people will go to schools 
which offer the largest advantages; and, if we wish to retain 
them in our denominational ranks, we must provide for 
them the instruction which, unless we provide it, they will 
find elsewliere." In failing to provide Christian schools for 
the education of our children, we are first neglecting our 
duty to our children themselves. We believe thoroughly 
that education in Christian schools, and under distinctively 
Christian influences, is best. We are charged with their 
intellectual, moral and religious education. We have no 
right to neglect this duty, nor to shift it off to other 
shoulders. This is the most sacred of all parental duties. 
The duty of character and faith-training is sacred above 
all others. We are a.e:ain. secondly, neglecting our duty to 
our denomination, and by necesF.ary inference, our duty 
to our Lord. Finally, 



220 lonm Baptist Schools. 

That U> May Be Able to Do Our Share of the I'atriotic 
Duty of Educating the Youth of tlie Country. 

There are certain epochs in history that are radiant with 
great men and great thoughts; epochs that give birth to 
ideas that are true for all time. The last quarter of the 
last century was such an epoch. The period beginning witli 
1775 will go doM'n into all history as such an epoch. In 
it were formulated correct theories of the inalienable rights 
of man; correct theories of his moral rights, and his relig- 
ious rights; correct theories of personal liberty, — widely 
at variance, indeed, with some false theories of personal 
liberty now current,— right theories of government, and 
notably some right theories of education. 

One hundred and one years ago, while that illustrious 
body of statesmen, presided over by the venerable Washing- 
ton, were formulating in Philadelphia our present constitu- 
tion of the United States, another patriotic body, the 
American congress, were preparing, in their halls in Nev/ 
York City, the famous "Ordinance of 1787" for the govern- 
ment of the Northwest Territory. This constitution haa 
been called by William B. Gladstone, "The most wonderful 
work ever struck off, at a given time, by the brain and 
purpose of man." Some portions of the ordinance of 1787 
are as justly entitled to command the admiration of mankind. 
If the first clause of the one document contains the com- 
pletest and best summary of the purposes of human gov- 
ernment, the third section of the other enumerates the 
chief factors of good government, and the best means of 
attaining it. The memorable clause is in these words: 
"Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to 
good government and the happiness of mankind, schooly 
and the means of education shall be forever encouraged." 

"Religion, morality, and knowledge necessary to good 
government." Religion tlvM, morality second, knowledge 
third. That was the best thought of the eighteenth cen- 
tury. It is the best thought of the nineteenth century. 
It will be the highest wisdom of the twentieth cen- 
tury. It was Iowa's greatest governor, James W. Grimes, 
who said thirty-four years ago, of the ends of government: 
"Its greatest object is to elevate and ennoble the citizen. 
It would fall far short of its design if it did not dis- 
seminate intelligence and build up the moral energies of 
the people." The best thing for a government, the best 
thing for a people, the best thing for any man or woman, is 
"schools and the means of education' to "disseminate in- 
telligence and build up the moral energies." What a man 
acquires in jiroperty, in honor or in power, he may carry 
a day, a decade, or a century. What he acquires in educa- 



A Change of Policy. 221 

tion and moral energy he carries through life, and through 
all that is beyond. I believe that education is paramount 
in human life and human character. By education I mean 
the fullest practicable forth-putting and development of 
all man's powers, physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual. 
This I believe to be the sole legitimate end of every man's 
life, as to himself; his own highest and fullest development 
nnd perfection of character. 

Religion, morality, and knowledge, are the three great 
factors in education. They are the three great factors in 
the formation of right character. Let us not forget that 
this is equally true of national as of individual character. 
If we recur again to that memorable period just mentioned, 
v/e shall find the revered "Father of His Country," himself, 
in the final hour of that forty-five years which he had 
dedicated to his country's service, standing up before the 
American people in his farewell address, using these words: 
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political 
prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable sup- 
ports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriot- 
ism who should lal)or to subvert these great pillars of 
human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men 
and citizens." 

As the scroll of our country's history slowly unrolls it be- 
comes more and more evident with the opening of every new 
fold, that while we may safely entrust the elementary in- 
struction to governmental provision and direction, the 
higher education can best be entrusted to the religious 
forces of the nation; to denominational provision and con- 
trol. 

Neither the scope of my paper nor the time allotted me, 
will permit me to enlarge upon this subject, nor to digress 
beyond the briefest statement of some convictions that 
touch closely and follow logically from our subject. 

1 . The Christian schools, whether colleges or academies, 
make mental training more prominent than high schools 
and normal schools, and this is by far the most important 
element in education. 

The studies whose main purpose is discipline and which 
point specially to attainments in higher learning, such as 
the ancient and modern languages, the mental, moral and 
logical sciences, are not subject here, as in high schools, 
to constant discussion and division of opinion. If this 
work comes to be done chiefly by Christian schools, as 
seems to be the present tendency, it will remove one factor 
of discord and dissatisfaction from the public school work. 

2. The Christian schools seek to employ teachers who 
have attained to special scholarship in their various depart- 
ments, and who devote their lives to these special subjects. 



222 loiva Lhiptist Hvhooh. 

Changes in teachers are iufrequeut, giving special oppor- 
tunity for high attainment and excellence. 

?,. These schools are dependent almost wholly for their 
patronage on the excellence of their work, and hence have 
a constant and powerful incentive to excellence. 

4. They will gradually provide endowments, scholarships, 
and fellowships, through the benefactions of their alumni 
and friends, which tend to give both permanence and special 
excellence to their work. 

r>. They will be under the patronage and influence of 
our religious denominations, which will surround these 
schools and their students with a moral and religious 
atmosphere, always favorable to the development of the 
best types of manhood and womanhood. 

My conclusions are: 

1. That an education society ought to be formed, whose 
purpose and work shall be to promote the interests of 
Christian education in our churches, and that its annual 
meetings should be held in connection with and prior to 
our state convention. 

2. That as a first means toward this end we ought to 
carry out the spirit of the resolution of our state convention 
adopted two years ago, wherein it 

Resolved, That in view of the ever-increasing demand for 
an educated ministry, and educated laity in our churches, 
and for educated talent in every department of Christian 
labor, no higher obligation rests upon our Baptist churches 
and people, than that of liuilding and maintaining schools 
of higher Christian learning, adequate to the needs of our 
denomination; and that we ask all our pastors to preach, 
at least, one sermon annually, explaining the condition and 
work of our schools, urging their claims upon all our 
people. 

3. That both the needed interest and the needed funds 
to build up and fill up our Christian schools can be best 
secured and maintained by a systematic method of regular 
contributions in small amounts by the largest possible 
number of our people, supplemented, as these surely would 
be, by the munificent gifts, large and small, from those 
whom God has blessed in being either far-sighted or large- 
hearted. 

The oducational romniittpo also made to the 

eonvention a brief report of their work, announe- 

iiig: the organization of the education society, and 

closed their report with the following, which was 

adopted: 



A Change of Policy. 223 

lu order to promote harmony in our mission work, w« 
recommend that so much of the educational report of 1888 
as pertains to the imputation of wrong upon any brethren 
in the state be stricken from the record. 

Signed. J. B. Thomas, F. L. Wilkins, T. R. Evans, and 
R. Garton. 

In 1880 the convention was nji^ain at De» jNfoines. 

The report of the committee on resolutions con- 

tninert the following: 

Resolved, That we hail with devout gratitude the 
awakened interest in our denomination, regarding higher 
Christian education, and the recent muniflcient gifts toward 
establishing on a broad and permanent basis our denomi- 
national schools for higher education. 

Resolved, That we urge the pastors of the state to in- 
struct their people on the vital relation which the pros- 
perity of our denominational schools sustains to the ad- 
vancement of our cause in Towa; that we urge each church 
to take a collection each year for Christian education. 

This re]wrt was arlopted. The next year the con- 
vention adopted the followin.fij: 

Resolved, That the hope of the world is in the religious 
education of the young, and that while the beginning of 
such education should always be in the Christian home, 
yet it can be successfully carried to successful fruition only 
by well supported schools and colleges; we, therefore, urge 
the duty of fostering and maintaining our denominational 
institutions of higher education with liberal means and by 
.sending our children to them. 

And at the meetins^ of the education society, the 

followinji' was adopted: 

Resolved, That we view with pleasure the advancement 
made in securing the endowment for Des Moines College. 
Yet, there is now a necessity that all the pastors should 
lay this subject upon the hearts of their people, and raise 
the largest possible contribution that we may not even 
yet fail to secure the conditional pledges. 

The followino; named papers and addresses were 
given at this meeting^: 

Christian Culture of the Twentieth Century, Rev. H. C. 
Nash, Denison. 

Culture in Relation to the Correct Interpretation of the 
Word, Rev. M. D. Bevan. D. .D., Atlantic. 

Shall Baptists Push Their Educational Work, Principal 
A. Abernethy, Osage. 



224: Iowa Baptist Schools. 

What Is Included in a Christian Education? President 
H. L. Stetson, Des Moines. 

The fiftieth anniversaiy of the state coiiveution 
was lieia at ^rarslialltown, October 1<)-L*;^, 1891. It 
was a i>Teat iiu'etiiijj;" and full of entlnisiasni. A 
ininiher of historical papers prepared for this oe- 
easion A\'ere oi'dered ])iMnted in the Annual for that 
year, inchidino- a historical sketch of Towa Baptist 
schools, lead before the education society. 

The convention adopted 1h(» following': 

Resolved, That we recognize with gratitude to God the 
completion of the endowment of $100,000 for Des Moines 
College; that we heartily endorse the effort now m.Tl^ing to 
endow the Cedar Valley Seminary; that we commend oil 
of our denominational schools to the prayers and support 
of our people, believing, as we do, that the hope of our 
church and the world is in the religious education of the 
young. 

Tn the education society the followinc^ resolu- 
tions were adopted : 

1. Resolved, That we record our thanks to the Great 
Head of the Church that he has called so many young men 
into the Baptist schools of Iowa M^ith many others seeking 
admission, w^ho give evidence of being called to preach the 
gospel of Christ. These young men are unable of them- 
selves to obtain such educational advantages as will make 
them efficient gospel preachers. Yet, without thorough 
training the demands of the age cannot be successfully 
met. Therefore, with all these 'young men to enter the 
ministry, we recognize that God calls upon the churches 
to provide the means by which these divinely chosen ser- 
vants can obtain a thorough collefi;iate and theological 
education. 

2. That we reioice with D(»f^, Moiner, College, in the com- 
pletion of its $100,000 endowment, through the heroic ef- 
forts of Dr. Stetson and his co-worlcers. regarding what has 
been accomplished as but the foundation for still larger 
achievements in the future, and calling for still farther 
sacrifices and contributions. 

3. That we are profoundly grateful to God for the ad- 
vance made in the Central University under the leadership 
of Dr. Stuart and his co-workers. The additional boarding 
hall now ready for use. the large increase in the attendance 
of students and the spiritual power manifested among them, 



A Change of Policy. 225 

denote the efficiency of the work. We heartily commend 
Central University as worthy of the pi'ayers and financial 
support of our churches. 

4 . That we recognize with gratitude God's great good- 
ness and blessing shown to our educational work at Osage. 
1. In selecting and sending to us Prof. Abernethy and his 
associates, men, and women, so eminently fitted to conduct 
its spiritual, literary, and financial undertakings. 2. That 
he has caused such an awakening among the friends of the 
seminary that the day of solid financial success is already 
in view. 3. That we do our utmost to bring to a triumph- 
ant termination the great occasion in the history of the 
school. 

F. L. Patterson, J. C. Maple, H. M. Jones, 

Committee. 

The followiug was also adopted : 

Resolved, That this society cordially endorses the present 
effort to raise $2 8,000 endowment for the seminary at 
Osage, and we commend this enterprise to the prayers and 
the liberal contributions of the churches. 

In the 1892 convention hekl at Mason City the 
resolutions adopted recognized the isuccessfnl 
completion of the effort for special endowment at 
Osage, and the increased prosperity of all our 
schools, together, with the obligation to support 
them. 

The following year the convention met at 
Davenport. Dr. H. W. Tilden addressed the 
education society on the Education of Christians, 
Dr. H. L. ^[orehouse also spoke briefly. In the 
evening Prof. Nathaniel Butler of the University 
of Chicago, spoke on the Relation Between Educa- 
tion, Commonly So-called, and Christianity. 

The following resolutions were adopted : 

1. That we recognize the blessing of God in the con- 
tinued prosperity of our schools. Central University, Des 
Moines College, Cedar Valley Seminary, and Burlington In- 
stitute, and we most heartily commend them as worthy of 
the confidence and financial support of our churches. 

2. That we remind our people that the best interests of 
our denomination and our schools alike demand that these 
schools have the attendance of our children, as well as our 
financial support. 



226 loua Baptist Schools. 

3. That we congratulate Central University on the pros- 
pect of a much needed new building now being erected to 
cost about $13,000, and on the amount already received, 
about $9,000, and commend to our churches their appeal 
for the balance. 

4. That we notice with gratitude the number of students 
for the ministry in our schools, and urge upon the churches 
the privilege as well as the duty of taking a collection an- 
nually for ministerial education, that we may uphold the 
educational standard of our ministry. 

At the Webster ( 'itj meeting of the convention, 
in 1894, Secretary J. W. Allen of the ecUicatiou 
society submitted his seventh annual report : 

It is a concise and very interesting report. It 
gives a brief history of the accession of Sac City 
Institute to the list of our schools, with descrip- 
tion of buildings and other property acquired. It 
describes the growth of the society's work in col- 
lecting and disbursing money to aid ministerial 
students, steadily increasing from |271 in 1888 to 
over |600 in 1894, and a corresponding increase 
in the number of students aided. 



CHAPTER X. 

The Marshalltown Conference 

The couvention for 1890 was held at Waterloo. 
Resolutious were adopted urging the Education 
Society to set in motion some plan to secure the 
federation of our educational interests, and the 
inauguration of a new era for our schools. In the 
meetings of the Education Society President 
Chaffee of Pella gave an address on Our Educa- 
tional Crisis. Prof. Albion W. Small of the Uni- 
versity of Chicago, addressed a large audience on 
Education and Religion. 

In response to the resolutions adopted and the 
stirring addresses delivered, a meeting was held 
of such members of the executive committee of the 
loAva Baptist Education Society as were not con- 
nected with the schools, who prepared, signed, and 
forwarded the following memorial to the presi- 
dents and principals of the several schools : 

Our Educational Interests. 

At our state convention at Waterloo, October 19-23, 
1896, President A. B. Chaffee expressed the belief that 
there was an attitude of "armed neutrality," existing be- 
tween our educational Institutions. 

Dr. A. W. Small expressed the hope that the time might 
speedily come when Iowa would arrange her educational 
interests in such a way as to have one college, centrally 
located, surrounded by a number of well equipped acad- 
emies. 

227 



228 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

The state convention adopted the following resolution: 

We recognize the value of our denominational schools, 
and suggest that the executive committee of the Iowa Bap- 
tist Education Society set in motion some plan by which 
our educational interests and the claims of our Baptist 
schools upon our Iowa Baptists be presented at each as- 
sociational gathering. We believe that this will be a step 
in the direction of the federation of our educational inter- 
ests, of a new era for our schools. 

Certainly such an expression from within our institu- 
tions, from without the state, and from the most represent- 
ative body of Baptists within the state should lead to the 
inquiries. What is wrong? and. How may it be righted? 

Federation, interdependence, co-operation, are the 
watchwords of our denominational life at this hour. Cer- 
tainly, our educational work is second to no other in the 
state; and these watchwords should be most effective with 
reference to it. 

We, of the executive committee, who are not connected 
with out educational interests beg leave to suggest that 
the different presidents of our colleges and academies meet 
together in conference and ascertain, if possible, what our 
educational difficulties are, and how they may best be 
remedied, and, if possible, set some movement on foot to 
secure relief. 

We beg leave further to suggest that Col. A. Abernethy 
be the chairman of this conference, and that, with the con- 
sent of the others, he arrange a time and place of meeting. 

A copy of this letter will be sent to the president of each 
of our institutions, and we sincerely trust that our Heavenly 
Father will guide them by his wisdom and support them 
by his grace to the end that our educational interests may 
be brought to their highest state of usefulness. 

The above was adopted at a special meeting on Friday 
morning, October 23, at Waterloo, Iowa. It was signed by 
the following members: Craig S. Thorns, John A. Earl, 
E. H. Glllet, J. Wayland Allen, secretary I. B. E. S. 

While the above plan failed as might have ])een 
anticipated, in immediate results, yet it served its 
purpose of aiding to arouse that all powerful 
factor — public sentiment — which secured expres- 
sion a year later. 

In 1897 the anniversaries were held with the 
First Baptist church at Des :\r(>ines. The Education 
Society met Tuesday morning, October 26, 



The Marshalltown Conference. 229 

The annual sermon was preached by Rev. John A. Earl, 
of Waterloo, on the topic, Unused Forces. He said in part: 
As in nature where in a Niagara river there is latent force 
enough to set all the machinery of the United States in 
motion, so there are in our church life unused forces be- 
cause no one has directed their energies. There is a great 
amount of unused force in our educational affairs. Educa- 
tion is not an appendage of the church, but a part of it. If 
we neglect education, we neglect our churches. There are 
hosts of boys and girls who have never been spoken to 
about religion or education. Pastors should be loyal to 
our Baptist schools, and induce young people to attend 
them. There is much force unused for our Baptist schools. 
We have so many schools we cannot conserve our educa- 
tional energies. There are rival and conflicting appeals 
which tend to weaken and distract. The time has come 
for heroic action, and if possible we ought to unify our 
educational work. We are losing ground, losing gifts and 
students for lack of unification. There ought to be some 
action taken at once to remove the difficulties. There is, 
too, an unused force in the Holy Spirit. God can support 
and guide our colleges as he does our churches, if we but 
accept the conditions. 

The sermon created a decided impression and was an 
important factor in the proposed movement looking toward 
unification of the educational interests of the state. 

Dr. P. S. Henson, of Chicago, being present in the audi- 
ence, was called out. He bore testimony to the value of 
the small college. He pleaded with the brethren to get 
together in the educational work, and declared, in the words 
of Benjamin Franklin, that if in education Iowa Baptists 
do not hang together they will surely hang separately, and 
they will deserve their fate. Baptists ought to hold to- 
gether to lead the van and raise the banner higher than 
any other denomination.' 

A coniinittee ou irsohitious was appointed as 
follows: Prof. A. l.ouj,'li ridge, Secretary J. AV. 
Allen, l»resident A. 15. C-haftee, President H. L. 
St(4son, Prof. Alonzo Abernethy, Revs. J. A. Earl, 
Waterloo; E. H. Lovett, Davenport; H. AV. Tildcn, 
I)es Aloines; Prethren W. S. Goodell, Des Aloiues; 
E. E. Lewis, Sioux City; Revs. Arthur Fowler, 
Muscatine; S. E. Wilcox, Osage; Airs. W. F. Luke, 
Purlington. Wednesdav afrernoon tlie committee 



'Standard, November 6, 1897. 



230 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

submitted the following resolutions wliicli ou mo- 
tion of President Chaffee, were adopted : 

1. Resolved, That we recognize the self-denying labors 
of the presidents and faculties of our various educational 
institutions, and the valuable work they are doing in the 
education of our young people. 

2. Resolved, That we earnestly commend these institu- 
tions to the members of our churches as worthy of their 
hearty financial support and patronage. 

3. Resolved, That this society appoint a committee of 
eleven brethren, one from each congressional district of 
the state to arrange for an educational conference to be 
held as soon as practicable in some place centrally 
located, but not at the seat of our own schools, said com- 
mittee not to include any persons now connected with the 
faculties of our schools. The proposed conference shall 
consist of delegates to be nominated by the churches in 
the ratio of one delegate for each church, and one member 
for each one hundred or fraction of a hundred members 
over the first one hundred, and of fifty representative 
Baptists to be nominated by the aforesaid committee, the 
heads of our five institutions to be ex-officio included in this 
number of fifty. The main work of this conference shall 
be to take into consideration the future policy Of Baptist 
educational interests in Iowa, with a view to the unification 
and concentration of those interests. 

4. Resolved, That a committee of nine be appointed to 
nominate the above committee of eleven. Moved by Dr. 
Stetson that the chair appoint the committee of nine. The 
chair named the following brethren for the committee: . 
Rev. L. N. Call, Sac City; Rev. D. R. Landis, Algona; Hon. 
E. E. Lewis, Sioux City; William Aitchison, Jr., Des 
Moines; Rev. S. B. Wilcox, Osage; J. F. Tate, Winterset; 
Rev. L. M. Waterman, Dubuque; Rev. R. Garton, D. D., 
Burlington; Rev. E. H. Lovett, Davenport. 

The following is the committee of eleven as appointed 
by the committee of nine: 

First congressional district, Hon. A. J. McCrary, Keokuk; 
Second, Rev. A. T. Fowler, Muscatine; Third, Rev. J. A. 
Earl, Waterloo; Fourth, Hon. J. F. Clyde, Osage; Fifth, 
Rev. F. W. Parsons, Marshalltown; Sixth, Rev. F. G. Davies, 
Ottumwa; Seventh, Hon. J. F. Tate, Winterset; Eighth, 
Hon. H. S. Glenn, Chariton; Ninth, Hon. J. V. Hinchman, 
Glenwood; Tenth, E. S. Plimpton, Denison; Eleventh, Hon. 
E. E. Lewis, Sioux City. 



The Marshalltoion Conference. 231 

This action was reported to the convention 
Thursday afternoon by Rev. L. N. Call, and was 
unanimously adopted. 

The call for the educational conference herein 
provided for was published in the Standard, Dec- 
ember 11, 1897, and was as follows : 

Iowa Educational Conference. — The committee of eleven 
appointed to arrange for the above conference met at 
Waterloo on November 3 0. The conference will be held 
in the First Baptist churcli at Marshalltown, on Tuesday, 
December 21. at 10 a. m. The conference will consist of 
fifty members of Baptist churches of the state, nominated 
by the committee, and of delegates appointed by the 
churches. The object of this conference is to take into con- 
sideration the future policy of Baptist educational interests 
in Iowa, with a view to the unification and concentration of 
those interests. The committee requests that all our 
churches appoint delegates in the ratio of one member for 
each church, and one member for each one hundred over 
the first one hundred or fraction of 100. It was decided 
by the committee that no delegate be entitled to sit in the 
conference without a written credential certifying to mem- 
bership and appointment as delegate by the local church. 
Efforts are being made to secure reduced railroad fares on 
the certificate plan. The programme of the conference will 
be published next week. It is earnestly hoped that this 
will be a representative gathering. Matters of the most 
serious importance will come up for consideration. All 
delegates who expect to attend the educational conference 
at Marshalltown, December 21, are requested to forward 
their names to Rev. F. W. Parsons, Ph. D., Marshalltown, 
Iowa, at once, so that entertainment may be provided for 
such. For the committee, Arthur T. Fowler, secretary; 
A. J. McCrary, chairman. 

In the same issue the Standard called attention 
to the conference urging the churches to appoint 
delegates and send the very best men, especially 
the largest possible number of laymen. 

The committee named tifty representative Bap- 
tists as provided in resolution 3, above, as follows: 

Judge A. J. McCrary, Keokuk; Rev. O. B. Sarber, Mt. 
Pleasant; Rev. E. H. Lovett, D. D., Davenport; Hon. Mil- 
ton Reniley, Iowa City; Rev. John A. Earl, Waterloo; Dr. 
C. S. Chase, Waterloo; Rev. George Breaker, Mason City; 



232 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Rev. Robert Bruce, Waukon; Rev. F. W. Parsons, Ph. D., 
Marshal Itown; Judge Howard Remley, Anamosa; Rev! 
F. G. Davies, Ottumwa; Rev. Orr Campbell, Oskaloosa; 
Mr. William Raffety, Grinnell; Mr. George McKean, Perry; 
Mr. H. S. Glenn, Chariton; Rev. F. G. Reinking, Center- 
ville; Mr. J. V. Hinchman, Glenwood; Mr. E. S. Plimpton, 
Denison; Judge Z. A. Church, Jefferson; Hon. E. E. Lewis, 
Sioux City; Rev. L. N. Call, Sac City; Prof. A. N. Currier, 
Iowa City; Mrs. J. C. Luke, Burlington; Prof. A. Aber- 
nethy, Osage; Rev. PI. C. Nash, Sac City; Rev. J. M. Jones, 
Columbus City; Judge A. H. Stutsman, Burlington; Rev. 
Arthur T. Fowler, Muscatine; Mr. W. W. Leslie, Clinton; 
Prof. A. Loughridge, Cedar Falls; Rev. L. M. Waterman, 
Dubuque; Judge J. F. Clyde, Osage; Mr. F. Y. Whitmore, 
West Union; Hon. J. J. Powell, Cedar Rapids; Rev. E. M. 
Jones, Vinton; Dr. E. T. Edgerly, Ottumwa; Mr. William 
Aitchison, Jr., Des Moines; J. F. Tate, Winterset; Mr. 
H. D. Aikens, Winterset; Rev. H. W. Tate, Chariton; Rev. 
D. W. Griffith, Shenandoah; Rev. C. J. Pope, Villisca; 
Rev. V. C. Rocho, Council Bluffs; Rev. T. S. Bovell, Ft. 
Dodge; Rev. F. M. Archer, Boone; Mr. W. H. Berkley, 
Woodbine; Hon. D. C. Shull, Sioux City; Rev. H. L. Stet- 
son, D. D., Des Moines; Rev. A. B. Chaffee, D. D., Bella. 

The followiug named delegates were present 

from the churches : 

Rev. A. C. Blackman, Ames; M. W. Strickland, Ashland; 
A. H. Nickel, Beacon; Rev. R. Garton, H. H. Severn, and 
W. H. Johnson, Burlington; G. A. Bryant, Carlisle; Rev. 
R. A. Smith and Rev. H. M. Jones, Cedar Falls; Rev. Her- 
bert Tilden, Cedar Rapids; Rev. J. P. Coffman and R. L. 
Robie, Cherokee; Rev. George Brewer and A. P. Barker, 
Clinton; H. C. Miller, Colfax; G. W. Dickens and A. B. 
Phelps, Competine; Rev. O. W. Catlin, Cumberland; Rev. 
H. W. Tilden, D. D., Rev. Craig H. Thoms, Rev. E. P. Bart- 
lett, Rev. F. E. Morgan, Dr. George W. Fuller, E. S. Hunn, 
F. A. Durham, W. S. Goodell, F. B. Aldredge, and W. D. 
Lovell, Des Moines; I. S. Riggs, Eddyville; Rev. A. H. 
Ballard, Eldora; R. P. Horton, Evans; A. B. Smith, Ferry; 
Rev. Ezra Temple, Frederick; Rev. J. B. Edmondson, Fre- 
mont; A. L. Ricker, M. L. Norris, and M. Blow, Grinnell; 
C. H. Marsh and Mr. Merritt, Grundy Center; Rev. D. Mc- 
Masters and A. D. St. Clair, Hampton; Rev. A. T. Shortess, 
Hedrick; Rev. S. W. Lee, Indianola; Rev. J. W. Crooks, 
Rev. C. Smith, and E. R. Calkins, Iowa Falls; Rev. F. G. 
Lewis and W. G. Jennison, Jefferson; Rev. J. E. Treloar 
and J. M. Dunn, Jordan's Grove; Rev. J. Shutz, Knox- 
ville; Rev. D. M. Stiles, Livermore; Rev. E. S. Edwards, 
Lorimore; Rev. C. F. Lusk and F. L. Durey, Manchester; 



The Marshalltoivn Conference. 233 

John W. Wells, M. Waterman, Ed Erickson, and J. R. Starr, 
Marshalltown; H. H. Harbaugh, Mason City; Rev. F. M. 
Gaines, Massena; Rev. Wilson Mills, Monroe; Judge Henry 
Jayne and G. W. Hutchinson, Muscatine; Rev. S. E. Wil- 
cox, J. Pope, J. I. Sweney, and A. M. Walker, Osage; Rev. 
C. L. Custer and Rev. I. J. Stoddard, Pella; Rev. G. E. 
Morphey and Mrs. Morphey, Perry; G. Drennan, Renwick; 
Orville Lee, Sac City; Rev. O. P. Sonner and S. Rice, Shell 
Rock; Rev. Amos Weaver and Mrs. Weaver, Tama; W. H. 
I-Ialstead, Toledo; L. B. Bobbitt, Vinton; Rev. H. G. Bea- 
man. Rev. Robert Carroll, B. Howrey, J. R. Vaughan, Mrs. 
J. R. Vaughan, J. E. Williams, and F. Foulk, Waterloo; 
Rev. W. H. Sayer and Rev. A. Diem, What Cheer; Rev. A. 
Jacobs, C. Aikens, and F. G. Lewis, Winterset; Rev. J. W. 
Allen, WoQdward. 

The committee of eleven had issued a printed 
call and sent copies to all the churches in the 
state, urging representation at the conference. 
The call recommended four resolutions for discus- 
sion, and named five speakers as follows : Pres. A. 
Loughridge of the education society, Rev. C. J. 
Pope, Judge A. J. McCrary, Prof. A. N. Currier, 
and Ivev. John A. Earl. 

All the addresses were listened to with keen in- 
terest, that of Prof. Currier being written, was 
preserved, and is copied for the information it 
contains. 

BAPTIST EDUCATION IN lOAVA. 

By A. N. Currier. 

The history of Baptist education in Iowa is a story of 
forty years of division in interest, sympathy, patronage, 
and means forty years of rivalry often degenerating Into 
detraction and strife. 

No sooner had a convention properly called and fairly 
conducted, chosen Pella as the seat of the Baptist college, 
and pledged the support of the churches to Central Univer- 
sity, than dissatisfied brethren through another convention 
set up a rival college at Burlington.^ When Burlington 
practically ceased to have a following as the college, or 



^ An inadvertant error in the order, of precedence, the 
school at Burlington having been founded in 1852, that at 
Pella in 1853. See chapter on Early Interest in Denomina- 
tional Education. 



234 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

indeed as a college, and Central University seemed on the 
point of securing state wide support, brethren dissatisfied 
with the location at Pella, seeing no prospect of moving the 
school, finally united in founding Des Moines University, 
and so opened a new chapter of the chronicles of division 
which to this date has seemed endless and hopeless. For 
thus far decisions decide nothing and settlements settle 
nothing. What has been ihe result of this policy? 

I. 

A Di\isioii of the Small Funds Raised for College Support. 

From 1853 to 1865 the newness of the state, hard times, 
and the Civil War, made it impossible to raise much money 
for buildings, temporary support, or endowment, but the 
small sum actually obtained would have assured one incip- 
ient college life, enlargement, and development. Every 
year would have been a step forward in growth, organiza- 
tion, and the breadth, quality, and grade of its work. Two 
so-called universities dividing the meager sum between 
them, starved and overworked their small faculties, v/ere 
able to furnish no appliances in the way of libraries and 
apparatus, and so became marked examples of arrested 
development. 

The greater sums obtained in the next thirty years, in- 
adequate as they were and are for the barest necessities of 
existence of two institutions, would have carried one col- 
lege over long strides towards a good equipment and a sub- 
stantial endov/ment. 

n. 

The two colleges have raised far less money than one 
college would have obtained, and with less importunate 
begging. The flush times after the war, and in the eighties, 
ought to have brought a large productive endowment. But 
most Baptists saw then, as we see now, that two strong 
colleges only forty miles apart were impossible. The hopes 
of each college were largely built upon the expected failure 
of the other. Many excellent friends of Baptist education 
became disgusted by the bickerings and strifes often un- 
seemly to say the least. More became disheartened over 
the seemingly hopeless struggle, and a still larger number 
became practically indifferent on the college question. . A 
faithful few made great sacrifices for the college of their 
choice in money and efforts, but dollars came where hun- 
dreds were needed, and hundreds feebly represented will- 
ing thousands that would have flowed into the treasury 
of one college, cherished in the hearts of all the churches, 



The Marshalltown Conference. 235 

III. 

Much of the money actually raised for endowments has 
gone to pay current living expenses, in illustration of the 
old proverb, "necessity knows no law." Continued exist- 
ence has often depended upon expenditures beyond income. 
Temporary transfers have grown into permanent loans 
from endowments, and when these were exhausted, ugly 
and threatening debts have loomed up to the dismay of 
all friends and the indignation of donors to endowments 
supposed to be sacred and permanent. 

Even if endowments are untouched, debts grow apace, 
threatening to absorb all available property. The result 
is that no more money for endowment can be rafsed in the 
state while two colleges stand as rivals. One college would 
not have escaped all misfortunes, for the churches would 
have given too niggardly, and men with less than perfect 
wisdom would have managed affairs, but its means would 
liave been far greater, and the temptations born of neces- 
sity would have been far less, with no rival to be equaled 
or surpassed on pain of losing caste. 

IV. 

This policy of division has been a bar to the organiza- 
tion of a stable faculty of able, experienced, and well 
known teachers and scholars. Such men have for a time 
served in both faculties, and with decent support and 
reasonable prospects of the growth and permanence of the 
college would have devoted their lives to its interests and 
its work. But hopeless of their own future and that of 
the college, starved, overworked, without books and other 
appliances, and deprived of a genuine college atmosphere, 
it is no wonder that most of them have not resisted the 
calls to more attractive fields, and so the greater is the 
admiration due to such men as Scarff, Nash, and Mrs. 
Stoddard, who persisted to the end of health and strength, 
or are today leading a forlorn hope. 



Another result largely chargeable to the state of things 
described, is the lamentable fact that so few Baptist fami- 
lies are today represented in our own colleges, or indeed 
in any institution of higher education. The Methodist 
colleges in the state have five times as many students as 
the Baptist schools, and those of the Congregationalists 
twice as many, and these denominations outnumber us at 
the university in about the same proportion. 

University, 189 6-189 7: Methodists, 95; Congregation- 
alists, 49; Presbyterians, 75; Baptists, 3 4. 



236 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

lu the colleges of the state. 1894-1895: Methodist coll.. 
1961; Congregationalist, 615; Presbyterian, 450; Baptist, 
300. (?) 

Counting the graduating classes only, the showing 
would be far worse for Baptists. We need a crusade in 
this matter in all the churches, led by the pastors, but it 
will never be realized until we have one strong college 
able to offer the best education, the object of the support 
and the affection of our people. If we are wise, the set 
time has come to make that a reality. 

Before I sit down I want to bear emphatic and hearty 
testimony to the ability and the devotion of the noble men 
and women who have put their lives into these colleges. 
I have known many of them personally, and have seen the 
daily lives of consecrated labor and heroic sacrifice of some 
of them, whom dead or living, I count among the saints 
of the earth. I know something of the Stirling 
worth of the men and women who have been trained by 
them and are now doing valiant service in church and 
State and society. Such lives and such labors surely have 
not been in vain and our only regret must be that narrow 
means and untoward circumstances have laid upon them 
too heavy burdens and limited the fruitfulness of their 
labors. 

A report of the conference was published by its 
secretary in the Standard of Janiiaiy 8, 1898, as 
follows : 

'Iowa Educational Conference — A better place could 
scarcely have been chosen than Marshalltown for the 
above conference which was held on December 21, last. 
It is one of the best and most centrally located of our 
Iowa cities. Everything seemed to conspire toward mak- 
ing the meeting pleasant as well as memorable. The 
church through whose invitation and hospitality the confer- 
ence met is prosperous and aggressive under the scholarly 
leadership of Dr. Parsons, while the recently remodeled 
and beautified church building left nothing to be desired 
in the way of favorable surroundings. 

As the readers of the Standard are aware, the first 
steps towards the conference were taken at the last annual 
meeting of the Iowa Baptist Education Society. At the 
meeting a resolution was adopted calling for the appoint- 
ment of a committee of eleven, one member from each 
congressional district of the state, to arrange for the date, 
place and program for the conference, to nominate fifty 
representative Baptists and to issue a call to the churches 
of the state to send delegates. This movement had its 



The AlarshaUtoicu Conference. 237 

beginning not among the friends of any one institution, 
but it was the climax of a growing conviction through a 
period of years. For some time past there has been an 
increasing desire on the part of our people for unity and 
co-operation in our educational work. It was felt by many 
of our best pastors and laymen that Iowa Baptists could 
never be educationally what they should be on the present 
basis of carrying on their work. As a result the denomina- 
tion was doing very little for education, and the young 
people were often seeking their education in other schools 
than our own. This was owing not to the lack of ability 
or culture of the noble brethren who were in charge of 
the institutions, but rather to the need of equipment, and 
support which the denomination owed to its educational 
interests. 

To assist in making the work of the conference definite 
the committee presented four resolutions for its adoption, 
practically as follows: (1) That the best Interests of the 
denomination will be promoted by having but one institu- 
tion to do college work in the state; (2) that this confer- 
ence shall determine where such college shall be located; 
(3) That on the board of trustees of the college, the prin- 
cipals of the affiliating academies shall be members ex- 
officio; (4) That immediate steps be taken toward secur- 
ing an ample endowment fund for the college and the 
affiliated schools, and that a general secretary be appointed 
to raise such fund; forty per cent, of which to be given to 
the college and the remainder to be divided among the 
affiliated academies. 

By the call of the committee a general interest in educa- 
tion was awakened throughout the state. Some, however, 
looked upon it with a feeling of trepidation, knowing the 
outcome of former attempts to solve the problem, while 
others felt that there was a divine providence in it all, and 
that a better day was about to dawn. 

The Conference — The conference was called to order 
at 10:30 a. m. by Judge A. J. McCrary, of Keokuk. 
Prayer for divine guidance and blessing was offered by 
Rev. J. A. Earl, of Waterloo; after which Judge A. J. 
McCrary was elected permanent chairman, and A. T. 
Fowler, of Muscatine, secretary. A committee on creden- 
tials was appointed, consisting of Rev. S. E. Wilcox, Osage; 
Rev. J. P. Coffman, Cherokee; and Hon. J. J. Powell, Cedar 
Rapids. While the committee was preparing its report, 
questions as to the methods of procedure and points of 
order were discussed. When the committee made its 
report it was revealed that thirty-nine delegates at large 
were present out of the fifty nominated, and ninety-six 
delegates from the churches, making a total of 135, In 



238 I una Baptist ."Schools. 

which every part of the state was represented. It being 
near the noon hour twenty minutes were spent in fervent 
prayer, led by Mr. William Aitchison, Jr., Des Moines, and 
participated in by many of the brethren present. This was 
one of the most helpful periods of the conference, prepara- 
tory to the more serious work before the meeting. At 
the close of this, conference adjourned till after dinner. 

The afternoon session began at 1:30. Rev. J. W. Allen, 
of Woodward, opened the meeting with prayer. On motion 
it was decided to proceed with the discussion of the first 
resolution recommended by the committee for adoption. 
Pending its adoption. Prof. Albert Loughridge, of the 
State Normal School of Cedar Palls, gave an address on 
"The minimum working force practicable in a respectable 
college." Comparisons were made among colleges both 
outside and inside the state, in other denominations and in 
our own. Averages were drawn and as far as practicable 
compared with our own schools. Prof. A. N. Currier, of 
the State University at Iowa City, followed with a succinct 
address, giving in outline the history of Iowa Baptist 
educational interests up to the present time, and the prob- 
lems encountered. The address was wonderfully impar- 
tial in its treatment of questions and conclusions. Rev. 
C. J. Pope, of Villisca, was the next speaker. He spoke 
upon "The ability of Iowa Baptists, present and prospect- 
ive, to support a college; and the duty of concentration, 
at whatever cost in the way of change or modifieation of 
past or present plans, in order to accomplish the practi- 
cable end." The subject was divided into two propositions: 
(1) The ability of Iowa Baptists to support a college; 
the essentials being mentioned as instructors and equip- 
ments, students, intelligent friends of education among the 
laymen, able and aggressive pastors, endowment. (2) The 
duty of concentration In the way of modification of past or 
present plans. In order to accomplish this end. This duty 
grows out of our past failures, It also comes from present 
conviction. It also grows out of future possibilities. Each 
address was clear, concise. Impartial, showing careful 
preparation, and made a profound impression upon the con- 
ference. After a brief discussion the resolution was 
adopted. 

Pending the adoption of the second resolution, Judge 
A. J. McCrary gave a statement in detail of the plant and 
equipment of the colleges at Pella and Des Moines, fol- 
lowing it with an earnest address, upon the need of definite 
action on the part of the conference, for only in concentra- 
tion can there be substantial progress. At this point it was 
decided to postpone the adoption of this resolution till im- 
mediately after the opening of the evening session. A com- 



The Marshalltown Conference. 239 

mittee was also appointed, consisting of Judges Clyde, 
Osage; Remley, Anamosa; Stutsman, Burlington; McCrary, 
Keokuk; Hon. Henry Jayne, Muscatine; and Hon. J. J. 
Powell, Cedar Rapids, to inform the conference of the legal 
status of the properties and endowments of the colleges, 
in case of the adoption of the second resolution. The ses- 
sion then closed with prayer by Rev. L. N. Call, of Sac 
City. 

At 7:30 the evening session was opened with prayer by 
Dr. H. L. Stetson, of Des Moines. The committee on the 
legal status of the colleges reported that the institutions 
were so organized as to be able to adapt themselves to the 
changes proposed by the conference. The resolution was 
adopted and the conference proceeded without discussion 
to ballot for the location of the college. Two ballots were 
taken, the first an informal one, giving Des Moines 
first place; the second, a formal one, standing as follows: 
Des Moines, 85; Pella, 26; Waterloo, 5; Osage, 3; Iowa 
Falls, 2 ; thus giving Des Moines more than the necessary 
two-thirds as called for in the resolution. 

After some amendments and brief discussion, the 
third resolution as recommended by the committee was 
adopted. Pending the adoption of the fourth resolution 
Rev. J. A. Earl addressed the conference on the needs of 
an immediate effort to raise an ample endowment in the 
state, and of the necessity of someone to take it in charge. 
With some amendments the resolution was adopted. The 
conference pledged itself to make good the amount for 
any losses coming to the institution at Pella in its acqui- 
escence with the changes involved, and a committee was 
appointed consisting of William Aitchison, Jr., Dr. A. 
B. Chaffee, Dr. E. T. Edgerly, Dr. H. L. Stetson, and G. W. 
Lovell, to confer with the institutions at Pella and Des 
Moines as to working out the details of the plan adopted 
by this conference. After a vote of thanks had been passed 
to the church for its generous hospitality, and to the 
Western Passenger Association, the conference adjourned 
with prayer by Prof. Abernethy, of Osage. 

Resolutions. 

The resolutions as amended and adopted by the confer- 
ence were as follows: 

1. Resolved. That the best interests of the Baptist 
denomination in Iowa will be promoted by having but one 
institution to do a college grade of work. 

2. Resolved, That representing Iowa Baptists, this con- 
ference shall by ballot now determine where the institution 
recognized as the college shall be located; and that a 



240 Iowa Baptist /SV7iot/6\ 

choice shall require a two-thirds vote of the delegates and 
members present. 

3. Resolved, That in the malting up of the board of 
trustees of the college herein provided for, the principals 
of the several Baptist educational institutions of Iowa shall 
1)6 members of the college board. Said college and academj^ 
boards shall make annual reports to the Iowa Baptist 
Education Society in which shall be stated the number of 
students in attendance, and the amount of tuition received, 
the number of instructors employed, and salary of each, 
and a general statement of income and expense, and the 
amount of indeljtedness, if any. 

4. Resolved, That it is the sense of this conference that 
the officers and executive committee of the Iowa Baptist 
Education Society should take immediate steps to raise an 
ample endowment fund for the benefit of said college and 
the institutions co-operating therewith, and that a general 
secretary be appointed to raise said fund, who shall ap- 
portion the same, 40 per cent, to said college, and the 
remainder to be equally divided among the institutions co- 
operating therewith. 

Afterthoughts. 

It was the general opinion among the brethren that this 
was the most notable gathering the Baptists of Iowa have 
ever held. A large number of professional and business 
men were present, besides prominent pastors. 

The harmony and Christian fellowship were remarkable, 
notwithstanding what the daily press said about "heated 
debates," which were conspicuous by their absence. 

It was delightful to see when the final result of balloting 
was announced that there was no manifestation of one 
locality trying to triumph over another. 

During the interval of counting the ballots several 
brethren sang impressively, and a song service was con- 
ducted which was intensely inspiring and uplifting. 

It was with not a little pleasure that the conference 
found it had completed its work at the close of the evening 
session. Many anticipated staying over till Wednesday. 
Still more pleasing was the fact that every one felt that it 
had been a thoroughly enjoyable meeting. 

It was seen that when it comes to a conviction and a 
necessity Iowa Baptists can rally and take hold together in 
a crisis. 

The first step has been taken; now it remains for the 
Baptists of Iowa to give this educational system an equip- 
ment worthy of the denomination. 

ARTHUR T. FOWLER. 



The Mar shall town Conference. 241 

Tho 1898 convention was lield at Cedar Rapids. 

In the report of the committee on resolutions 

adopted by the convention was the following: 

Education. We heartily express our pleasure at the dis- 
position of the Iowa Baptist Education Society to push on 
with the plan of unification of our educational interests in 
spite of hindrances in the past. 

And in the meetino- of the education society the 

f<)ll()\vin<>- was adopted: 

Resolved, That we commend the policy recently adopted 
of unifying our educational work, and congratulate our- 
selves on the progress already made towards its establish- 
ment, and urge our schools to consummate their part and 
put the system into vigorous operation. 

UNIFICATION. 

The sul)scquent history of this effort at unifica- 
tion is summed up in the following report sub- 
mitted at this annual meeting of the education 
society at C\-dar Rapids, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 1808: 

Report of Committee on Endowment. 

Dear Brethren — At your last annual session you author- 
ized a committee to call a conference for the consideration 
of the relation of our various educational institutions to 
one another. This meeting was duly called and held at 
Marshalltown, on December 21, 1897. This was a represent- 
ative Ijody composed of one hundred and thirty-five dele- 
gates duly appointed by their respective churches. It was 
there unanimously voted "that the best interests of Iowa 
Baptists will be promoted by having but one institution to 
do work of a regular college grade." By more than a two- 
thirds majority it was decided that this institution should 
be located at Des Moines. Two other resolutions were also 
unanimously adopted. One of them is: "In the making up 
of the board of trustees of the college, the principals of 
the several Baptist educational institutions of Iowa shall 
be members of the college board. The college and academy 
board shall make annual reports to the Iowa Baptist Educa- 
tion Society, in which shall be stated the number of stu- 
dents in attendance, and the amount of tuition received, the 
number of instructors employed and salary of each, and a 
general statement of income nnd expense, and the amount 
of indebtedness if any." And ihe other is to the effect that 
the oflBcers and executive committee of your society take 



•24:2 loir (I liapti.sl .^chooh. 

immediate steps to raise an ample endowment fund for the 
college and the institutions co-operating therewith which 
should be apportioned among them at the ratio of forty per 
cent, for the college and the remainder to be equally 
divided among the several co-operating schools. 

In accordance with this instruction the above named of- 
ficers met at Des Moines, December 28, 1897, and voted to 
appoint a committee on endowment which should have 
charge of all the details involved in carrying out the decis- 
ions of the Marshalltown conference. Prof. A. Lough- 
vidge, who was then the president of your society, was ap- 
pointed chairman of this committee, and he was authorized 
to select four others to act with him. He choose A. 
Abernethy, J. A. Earl, H. L. Stetson, and A. B. Chaffee, 
provided Central University should vote to accept the action 
of the Marshalltown conference. Rev. C. J. Pope was 
elected financial secretary. It was decided to raise in the 
first canvass $100,000. Central University signified its 
willingness to abide by the resolutions adopted at Marshall- 
town. President Chaffee never acted with the committee, 
and later it was increased by the appointment of Rev. F. 
W. Parsons, Ph. D. and Mr. L. D. Leland and Mr. J. R. 
Vaughan. Prof. Loughridge was called from the state dur- 
ing the year, and Rev. A. F. Fowler was elected to fill the 
vacancy. 

This committee prepared and sent to all our schools the 
following plan of co-operation: 

"In fulfillment of the decision of the Iowa Baptist Educa- 
tion conference held at Marshalltown, Iowa, December 21, 
1897, in accordance with the vote of the Iowa Baptist 
Education Society, October 2 8, 1897, the following resolu- 
tions, I, II, III, as a plan of co-operation, are adopted by 
the officers of Iowa Baptist Education Society, to whom 
was delegated the duty of carrying out the action of said 
conference. 

Resolved I, That the basis of co-operation shall be as 
follows: 

1. There shall be but one college for Iowa Baptists, 
namely, the one now located at Des Moines. 

2. The usual college degree shall be conferred by this 
college only. 

3. The college and other co-operating schools shall, as 
soon as practicable, secure through their respective boards 
of trustees: 

(a) Substantial harmony in course of study, equipment, 
and methods of instruction, with the view of promoting the 
highest efficiency in their work, and preparing students for 
their entrance to the college. 



The Marshalltoiun Conference. 243 

(b) Such changes as may be necessary in their respect- 
ive boards in order that the college board shall have at 
least one representative from each of the other boards, 
and each of the other boards at least one representative 
from the college board. 

(c) One annual prize scholarship from the college to 
each of the other co-operating schools, free tuition in the 
college to all instructors from said schools, courses of lect- 
ures, oratorical contests, and other plans, such as may be 
devised for the mutual benefit of the schools, and for the 
cultivation of cordial relations among them. 

Resolved II, That a general financial system under the 
authority and direction of the Iowa Baptist Education 
Society shall be instituted and carried on for the purpose 
of securing funds for the endowment and equipment of the 
college and the other co-operating schools, according to 
their respective needs. 

Resolved III, That in the first canvass the college and 
each of the- other co-operating schools shall, in accordance 
with the vote at Marshalltown, share in the receipts in the 
ratio of eight to three, and shall contribute to the expenses 
in the same ratio. 

The canvass for endowment shall be continued beyond 
the proposed one hundred thousand dollars until the loss 
from present invested funds, if any shall be sustained by 
a co-operating school on account of its adoption of the plan 
of co-operation, shall be fully replaced. 

No school shall be entitled to co-operate or receive a 
share of the funds raised, until its board shall have elected 
a corps of not less than four qualified instructors, at least 
two of whom shall be regular graduates of a standard 
grade college, and whose principal administrative officer 
and not less than two-thirds of the other instructors shall 
be members of a regular Baptist church where tlie school 
is located. 

The schools that have united in these terms of co-opera- 
tion are Des Moines College, of Des Moines; Cedar Valley 
Seminary, of Osag6; Burlington Collegiate Institute, of 
Burlington; and Sac City Collegiate Institute, of Sac City. 
It was further 

Resolved, That if any of the co-operating schools suf- 
fered its present indebtedness to increase, or should incur 
new debts in maintaining its work during this canvass, such 
schools should forfeit all claims to a share in this endow- 
ment fund. 

Central University replied that legal proceedings were 
very certain to be begun to recover productive funds now 
held by it if it should change its grade of work and con- 
form with the resolutions of the conference, and ask^d that 



2U I on- (I Baptist Hchooh. 

in accordance with the vote at Marshalltown indemnity for 
any loss it might sustain be provided. The language of Its 
executive committee is: "Security should be given at once 
to be available as soon as we may be deprived of the said 
funds or the income of the same." As neither your com- 
mittee nor the Education Society had funds in hand to give 
the security, and as the request for it was based upon a 
contingency that might arise, your committee adopted the 
following resolution, which was as far as it could go: 
"The canvass for endowment shall be continued beyond 
the proposed one hundred thousand dollars, until the loss 
from invested funds, if any shall be sustained by a co- 
operating school on account of its adoption of the plan of 
co-operation, shall be fully replaced." With this form of 
promise for indemnity Central University was not satisfied^ 
but your committee had reached the limit of its power. At 
a meeting of the trustees of Central University in June, 
they voted to accept the plan of co-operation on the follow- 
ing conditions: First, a satisfactory indemnity; second, 
that Des Moines College honor its outstanding scholarships; 
and, third, on or before July 1, 1901, give up its academy. 
Des Moines College voted to accept the second and third 
conditions, with the first it felt that it had nothing to do. 

Meanwhile application was made to the American Baptist 
Education Society to contribute $25,000 toward the fund 
(h $100,000, l)ut a favorable response has not been received. 

Mr. Pope began his services soon after his election, but 
not finding the conditions as they seemed to him favorable 
for raising money he resigned on June 29. His place has 
not been filled, and nothing has been done since his resig- 
nation. 

While not as much has been accomplished as many hoped 
when it was voted to hold the conference at Marshalltown, 
yet there has been performed a great deal of work which 
will bear good fruit. For the first time all our schools 
have been brought into pleasant and harmonious relations. 
There are no differences between them to be settled. Many 
misunderstandings have been cleared away, and a cordial 
feeling prevails where formerly there was quite the op- 
posite. 

And, we know now exactly what is necessary to secure 
complete unification and co-operation. All our schools have 
voted to accept the plan. One of them, however, makes 
certain conditions; and these, with but one exception, have 
been met. Only one thing now stands in the way of perfect 
co-operation. Never before could this be said. The gains 
and advance which have been made along these several 
lines are worth all they have cost. No one Is yet justified 
In saying that the effort started at Des Moines one year 



The Marshalltown Conference. 245 

ago is a failure. It has been very fruitful of good, and we 
are persuaded that still more will come from it if we are 
wise and patient. 

Concerning the future course to be pursued there are 
several alternatives. One is to leave matters just as they 
are. Another is to secure at the earliest possible moment 
the kind and amount of indemnity Central University re- 
quires before any other work is performed. The third is 
to push ahead and secure what funds we can for those 
institutions which have voted, without any conditions, to 
accept co-operation. 

Your committee feels that the wisest course can not be 
now determined, but it believes that such a committee 
ought to be continued in existence and be ready to act 
whenever it can forward the great work entrusted to it. 

Sui-ely God will bring out of these present conditions, 
which, in so many ways are favorable to the attainment of 
the great end believed in by the great majority of Iowa 
Baptists, something beneficial. Trusting in His infinite 
wisdom and earnestly seeking His guidance we ought to 
keep ourselves in readiness to improve any opportunity He 
may send. 

Respectfully submitted, 

H. L. Stetson, A. Abernethy, Jno. A. Earl. 

The above report was referred to a special com- 
mittee which at a later session, submitted the 
following: 

Dear Brethren — Your committee to whom is referred 
the "Report of the Committee on Endowment'' would ex- 
press the pleasure of the society that the progress indicated 
has been made during the year, and advise the adoption 
of the report. They beg leave to emphasize the suggestion 
that the committee on endowment be continued, and add 
that they be instructed to obtain from the trustees of 
Central University a definite and final statement of condi- 
tions and seek by every proper means to complete the unifi- 
cation of all our schools. Report was adopted.^ 

Long before these reports had been submitted 
or adopted, however, the failure of this movement 
had been foreshadowed, as the following facts will 
tend to show. 

President Chatt'ee, A\ho i)ers()nally was heartily 
in favor of the movement decided upon by tlie 



'Iowa Baptist Annual, 1898, pp. 83-84. 



246 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Marslialltown eouveution, deeliued to serve as one 
of the committee of live to whom was committed 
the duty of carrying out and carrying forward the 
plan. 

The board of trustees of Central College doubt- 
less intended to join in the new plan agreed upon 
at Marshalltown for a united and aggressive for- 
ward movement, by removing the only obstacle — 
antagonistic interests — and at their annual meet- 
ing in June, 1898, adopted the following: 

This board wishing to express its desire for unification, 
and at the same time to faithfully comply with the trust 
with which it is charged, and to sacredly protect the fund 
belonging to the denomination and placed now under its 
charge expressly to maintain and keep up a college in Pella, 
Iowa, does hereby endorse the propositions for unification 
made by its executive committee in their open letter of 
March 1, 1898, as follows: 

1. To have but one college and that at Des Moines, said 
college to honor the scholarships heretofore issued by Cen- 
tral University. 

2. Des Moines College and Central University to unite 
upon some plan whereby Des Moines College will cease 
doing academic work and Central College discontinue col- 
lege classes after July, 1901, excepting an advanced course 
of one year. 

3. At least practically, if she can nxjt do so legally, 
Central to drop the name university and assume the name 
of Central Collegiate Institute. 

The trustees of Central to be first secured by any just 
means against possible loss which may be sustained by giv- 
ing up her college courses. 

And this board expresses its hope that some such plan 
of unification be agreed upon. And the executive commit- 
tee is hereby authorized to withhold the Issuing of the 
catalogue for 189 8 and 189 9 until after the meeting of the 
board of Des Moines College during this month. ^ 

Dr. B. F. Keables also a ])romiuent Baptist, and 
a resident of Pclla for near fifty years, who had 
served with distinction in the Civil War, and 



^C. L. C. in Standard, June 25, 1898. 



The Marshalltown Conference. 247 

later for several terms as member of the Iowa 
house of represeulatives, aud always a staiiuch 
friend of Central College, sent next day the fol- 
lowing letter to the Des Moines Register : 

Pella, Iowa, June 15, 1898. 
Editor Register — It will be remembered that last winter 
at Marshalltown the Baptists of the state met for the pur- 
pose of organizing unification of their educational interests 
in the state. In March the executive committee of Central 
University issued an open letter, stating that unification 
was "in. sight"; it now seems certain of accomplishment, 
or at least Pella can not be charged with its failure. 

The Marshalltown conference fortunately and, it now 
seems, most wisely, took action simply on the location of 
the college for the denomination of the state, leaving the 
subject of the location of academies without action. Under 
these circumstances some time in February the presidents 
of Des Moines College and Central University, in connec- 
tion with members of the executive committee of each col- 
lege, held two or three conferences, unofficial, and ^nally 
agreed upon a plan of unification that should in the near 
future harmonize with the actions taken at Marshalltown. 
Yesterday the Central board of trustees unanimously ap- 
proved tlie plan arranged by the two presidents and mem- 
bers of their executive committees. Doubtless, next week 
the board of trustees of Des Moines College will, with equal 
unanimity, sustain the actions of its president, so both 
boards will have shown a willingness to do all in their 
power, consistent with their duties as trustees holding 
funds in trust, for unification. 

Then all that is required is for the state education board 
to make arrangements (which they have intimated a will- 
ingness to do in case of unification), to secure Central 
against loss, if any, that may result from the proposed 
change of grade. 

This plan of unification is, although long delayed, a wise 
one. It contemplates that the denomination will, after 
three years, do all its college work at Des Moines, and its 
academic work at Burlington, Pella, Osage, and Sac City. 
It is believed that a college supported by four academies 
located in different parts of the state may soon become 
one of the best equipped colleges in tlie state. 

B. F. Keables. 

The committee labored assiduously and patient- 
ly to find some way to meet the requirements for 



248 loiva Baptist Schools. 

posbible iudemuity, ur to yecuic tueh modificalioii 
as could be provided for, but without result. 

The American Baptist Education Society had 
indicated through its officers a willingness to give 
aid toward raising endowment to be divided 
among the several schools, if Iowa Baptists 
would unite on one college, but declined to act 
until a final settlement was reached. 

The financial secretary' elected to begin the 
work of securing endowment found his A\'ork 
greatly handicapped by the failure of the coiinuit- 
tee to secure either the co-operation of Bella, or 
aid from tlie national society and soon gave up the 
effort, resigning June 29, 1898. 

President Loughridge, chairman of the commit- 
tee, was called by the Home Mission Society dur- 
ing the summer of 1898 to the headship of Bisliop 
College at Marshall, Texas, and the real work of 
the committee soon came to an end. 

A report of the commencement of Central Uni- 
versity published in the Standard of July 8, 1899, 
over the signature of "C. L. C." indicates tlie final 
decision of their board. It is as fo]lo\\'s : 

A communication through Dr. H. Ij. Stetson from the 
endowment committee of the Iowa Baptist Education 
Society was read, earnestly soliciting Central's board to 
adopt the society's plan of co-operation and offering the 
first $25,000 out of the general canvass to indemnify Cen- 
tral for any loss of endowment in consequence of change 
of grade. In response the board stated in substance that 
inasmuch as the offer only continued the uncertainty which 
had already injured both schools it felt that it was unwise 
to longer dally with the matter, and urged the maintenance 
of Ijotli colleges as the way to secure harmonious co- 
operation. 

The grounds (m wliich the Central board i)l:>ced 

its claim for indemnity was understood to be that 

tli(» college A>'as liable to lose a certain portion of 




REV. ALVA BUSH, D. D. 



The Maralialltown Conference. 249 

its endowment wliirli had been given on condi- 
tions requiring the niainlentinee of college classes 
or a school of college grade. Two of the alumni, 
i^lajor H. G. Curtis of Atlantic, and Captain E. G. 
Barker of ]\Jacksl)Uig, had secured for the college 
an endowment fund estimated at one time as high 
as 150,000 by the gift of some mining stock trans- 
ferred under conditions. These brethi*en, with 
others, were said to be opposed to the 181)7 [>lan 
of unification and had threatened to bring suit 
for the recovery of the funds derived from the 
above source if the plan was carried out. At this 
time tin; possible loss v^as variousl^^ estimated at 
from 115,000 to |25,000. 

The succeeding year President Stetson of the 
sjiuje committee made a brief report to the effect 
that little progress had been made toward unifica- 
ti(m (see inige 80, Iowa i;a])tist Annual of 1899), 
and wi(h thai i'e])orl (he whole subject seems to 
have been dropped. 

In HHIO the committee on resolutions in the 
i*]ducati<m Society reported as folh)ws: 

Resolved, That we believe that there is room enough in 
the magnificent state of Iowa for all our T3aptist schools, 
ant! wealth enough among the members of our churches 
and congregations for their support. We hail with glad- 
ness the worlt they are doing. We commend their loyalty 
to the Bible and give to all of them our words of cheer 
and encouragement. 

2. Resolved, That we commend to our churches the in- 
terest of the worthy young men and women, striving to 
secure an education and urge upon them the necessity of 
assisting in tlieir support. 

3. Resolved, That we record our sincere appreciation 
nf the generosity of the American Baptist Education Society 
In its provisional gift of $2r),00 to Des Moines College, and 
the no less generous gift of $15,000 to the same institution 
from our Brother J. V. Hinchman. 



250 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

3. Resolved further, That these large gifts call for 
determined effort on the part of Iowa Baptists to meet the 
conditions of these gifts. 

4. Resolved, That we commend the work of Central Col- 
lege among her patrons to increase her ability for better 
and more enduring work. We would just as heartily com- 
mend the good work done by our three academies, Cedar 
Valley, Burlington, and Sac City. 

5. Resolved, That we take steps to arouse among our 
churches a general interest in education. We respectfully 
suggest district conferences and educational assemblies. 

6. Resolved, That our Education Society take immediate 
steps toward helping the pastors in our state, who have 
not had the advantage of college or seminary training, by 
issuing a course of reading or studies that will more thor- 
oughly fit them for the work in hand. 

Signed, 

F. W. Parsons, F. G. Davies, H. A. Heath, 

Committee.' 

At the same leathering- tlie Edncatioii Societ}' 
adopted the following, embodied in the secretary's 
report : 

There is a natural unit in the educational work of Iowa 
Baptists. As all the pulleys necessary to drive the ma- 
chinery are geared in connection with the main shaft, so it 
seems to us, our educational work in Iowa ought to be 
considered as a unit, and it should be planned and con- 
ducted with reference to one firmly established and fully 
endowed college and a number of other schools co-ordinated 
with it. It seems to us that the spirit of the Marshalltown 
conference should be dominant in our educational plans 
and work. lb. p. 78. 



'Baptist Annual, 1900, p. 82. 



CHAPTER XI. 

The Cedar Valley Seminary 

The Cedar Valley Seuiiuary ^^as founded at 
Osage, as a Baptist academy, iu 18G2, by the joiut 
eiforts of Kev. Alva Bush, the citizeus of Osage, 
aud the Cedar Valley Baptist Association. Mr. 
Bush was born at Busti, N. Y., January 25, 1830. 
He received his early education at Jamestown, 
Academy, aud was married, iu 1853, to Miss Eliza 
J. Moore at Jamestown. They removed to Iowa, 
June 1, 1853, settling on a farm near Straw^beny 
Point. In 1858 he entered Burlington University, 
continuing his studies there about one year, aud 
in November, 1859, was ordained pastor of the 
Baptist church of Straw^berry Point. The next 
year he removed to Fayette, becoming pastor of the 
Westlield Baptist church near there. In Jul}- of 
that year he was present at the organization of the 
Turkey River Baptist Association at West Union, 
and was elected clerk. In 1862, he was serving tlie 
church at Fayette, formerh' Westfield, as pastor, 
and supplying the Fairbank church, about tw^enty 
miles south of Fayette. These churches were no 
longer able to support a pastor, as many of the 
mendiers had entered the army, and he began look- 
ing for a new field. He had been teaching classes in 
ITpper Iowa University, during the temporary ab- 
sence of President William Brush, w ho expected to 

251 



252 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

euter the service. He had found teaching a very 
attracti\e work, aud his observations, both at Bur- 
lington and Favette, had shown that there were 
pient}' of young people in the country eager to 
entei any good school adapted to meet their wants. 
His attention having been directed to the Oedar 
Valley, and especially to Usage, as a favorable 
place to establish a school, he attended the Cedar 
Valley Baptist Association, assembled at Waterloo, 
fc^eptember 26, 1802, and met Ilev. H. I. Parker 
vriio resided at Austin, Minn., and was preaching 
at St. Ansgar, Mitchell, and Osage once or twice 
a month. 

The earliest ofdcial records of the Seminary are 
as follows : 

At the seventh anniversary of the Cedar Valley Baptist 
Association held at Waterloo, Septeml>er, 18 62, H. I. Par- 
ker presented the prospects of a school in Osage, Iowa, and 
Revs. Fulton, Alva Bush, C. B. Smith, R. P. Keyes, L. T. 
Harmon, and H. I. Parker, were appointed a committee to 
report upon the matter, who reported, in substance, as 
follows: 

That the people of said town having proffei-ed commodi- 
ous and comfortable buildings, free of charge, for the 
establishment of a school, therefore, 

Resolved, That we fully approve the acceptance of said 
buildings, and pledge our hearty co-operation in the execu- 
tion of the enterprise. 

The association accepted and adopted the report, but 
entered into no specific engagement at that meeting. In 
January, 1863, the school was commenced by general con- 
sent under the charge of Alva Bush, A. M., in the court 
house at Osage. 

At the eighth anniversary of said association, held at 
Waverly, September, 1863, H. I. Parker, A. Bush, and H. 
H. Burrington, were appointed a committee to prepare a 
report upon the "Situation and Prospects" of said school. 
The committee reported as follows: 

Whereas, an institution of learning for the young has 
been opened in the county buildings of Mitchell county at 
Osage, under the instruction and management of Rev. A. 
Bush, named and known as the Cedar Valley Seminary, and. 
whereas, said institution was much needed and promises to 



Cedar Y alley Seminary. 253 

be of great service within ttie boundaries of tliis association, 
tlierefore, 

Resolved, Tliat so far as is consistent, we pledge our- 
selves as an association, to give our influence, and patron- 
age to encourage and permanently establish the Cedar Val- 
ley Seminary. 

This report was accepted and ordered to be printed with 
the minutes.^ 

Late iu the aiituiim of 18G2, Prof. Bush visited 
Osage, and made arrangements to occupy the new 
jail for a home, and one or more of the rooms in 
the new court house for the school, the county seat 
remaining at iMitchell until 1869. Early in Jan- 
uary, 1863, he started with his family, for their 
future home, reaching the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Hugh Sweney near Little Cedar, Friday, January 
9, where they remained for the night. Two of Mv. 
Sweney's children, Charles and Mary, had at- 
tended school at Fayette, and were acquainted 
with him. Saturday they came to Osage and took 
up their home in the jail. On Monday jnorning, 
January 12, Prof. P)ush oi ened the tirst term of 
the school which had been designated The Cedar 
Valley Seminary, with seventeen boys and four- 
teen girls, the students bringing their own chairs. 

During the first year there were four terms of eleven 
weeks each, thus gaining one term, so that the regular 
academic term might commence in September each year, 
with three terms of thirteen weeks each, which has since 
been done.- 

Tlie teachers were Prof. Bush, l\Irs. Harriet 
Smith, and Miss O. Estella Oriswold. 

During the period above named beginning in 
January, 1863, and ending June, 1864, one hun- 
dred six students w^re enrolled. Of the forty- three 
boys in this list several won later prominent pro- 

' p. V. S. records, pp 1-3. 

'Prof. Bush in Decennial Catalogue, 1863-1872, p. 32. 



25-4 loica Baptist >SV7/oo/6'. 

fessional or official positions. Frauk W. Chase, 
coiiipleting tlie course in 1871 , followed his 
father's profession, becoming a ph3^siciau and 
specialist and resides (1907) at Des Moines, Iowa. 
\\'illard L. Eaton remained to graduate in 1872, 
studied law at the state university, and com- 
menced ])ractice in Osage, where he is still at the 
head of the leading law firm in Osage. An able 
jurist, an eloquent speaker he has served in vari- 
ous public positions, including three terms in the 
Iowa house of representatives, the last one elected 
speaker, and at present is state railroad commis- 
sioner. Forest A. Marsh, also an alumnus of 1872, 
entered the Baptist ministry, served several 
churches in Iowa and Wisconsin with unusual 
ability, and died March 12, 1897, at Beloit, Wis- 
consin, at the age of fifty-three. John R. Prime 
served for a series of terms as auditor of INlitchell 
county, and captain of an Osage company in the 
Iowa national guard, later was appointed briga- 
dier general in the same service, and resides in 
Chicago, Illinois. Augustus C. Tupi)er was in 
business in Osage for many years, and served one 
term as state dairy commissioner. 

Among the sixty-three girls of that first year's 
school many are still well known in Osage, among 
whom are Jennie Atherton (Patterson), Abbie 
Rush (Button), Ada Chase (Whitley), ^lary 
Merrill (Rood), Cora Moore (Ross), Ella Nixon 
(Hastings), ^Nlary Skinner (Lovejoy), and Kate 
Sweney (Eno). 

For the school year of 1804-1865 one hundred 
forty students were enrolled, among them a num- 
ber well known later for the exceptional vecoi'ds 
they were permitted to make including John E. 



Cedar \ alley Seminary. 255 

IMsliop, Charles Suiuuer Chase, ^Yarren H. Knoui- 
ton, William F. Lohr, Ilenrj^ C. VanLeuven, 
Alouzo Warden, Daniel U. Whitaker, and Wilson 
\Yhitney. Bishop, Lohr and VanLeuven soon rose 
to distinction in the law. Lohr removed early to 
Sionx City, where he continued to practice till the 
time of his death January 1, 1905, leavini>' a con- 
siderable estate, which will revert eventually to en- 
dow the Seminary library. A most honorable and 
worthy example whicb ought to be followed by 
many others. Chase after graduation took a 
course at the state college of agriculture, studied 
medicine and for fifteen years has filled 
the responsible position of ]n'ofessor of materia 
inedica in the medical college of the State Univer- 
sity of Iowa, at the same time carrying on a large 
practice in his home city of Waterloo. He has 
been an earnest and liberal supporter of the Semi- 
nary from the first and in 1891 was chosen trustee 
to succeed his father, Dr. S. B. Chase, the father 
and son having filled the one office from the organ- 
ization of the board of trustees to the present time. 
Wilson Whitney entered from Charles City, but 
remained only for a few weeks as the call came 
foi' hundred days men for the army, and he 
answered the call and enlisted. Eight years later he 
became pastor of the Osage Baptist church, which 
he served very efficiently, though \e\ a voung man 
in the ministry. He has held pastorates at Man- 
kato, Minn.; Goshen, Ind. ; Adrian, Mich.; the 
Messiah church, of Chicago, etc. At the present 
time he resides at Bedford, Ind. 

Many of the girls who entered that year have 
made good use of their training in later life as the 
following names will illustrate: Clara E. Bush 



256 /owa Baptist iSchools. 

(Call,) Alice M. Chase (White,) Ellen B. Flint 
((juernsey-Wanzer,) Alice Graves (Sawyer,) 
Mary Sweney (Scamnion,) and M. Libbie Tupper 
( l^rown. ) 

For 18r)5-]8(>6 there were one hundred forty-six 
students, including such well known names as 
Albert ( \ Hlackinan, Artliur W. Clyde, George W. 
Conley, Charles F. Gardner, S. J. McKinley, Syd- 
ney S. Toman, and John L. AMiitley. Also Misses 
Louie E. Clyde (^Nlarsh), Clariuda Hitchcock 
(Hitchcock), Emma 1'^. ]M(\i>,guier (Narey), and 
Kosa vSkinner (Harmon). Hla.ckmau taught school 
for ten years or more, then entered the ministry, 
which profession he has greatly honored in Iowa 
for the last twenty-five years, C\jde, Whitley, To- 
man, and (Jardner chose respectively law, medi- 
cine, ncws])a])er, and fruit and nursery business, 
each with ability and success. 

The teacliers for the first tliree year tei-m are 
given in the triennial catalogue issued in 186G as 
follows : 

Rev. Alva Bush, A. M., principal. 
Miss O. Estella Griswold, preceptress. 

Mrs. Harriet Smith, Mrs. Martha S. Bush, and Miss Addie 
Haskell, assistants. 

A second triennial catalogue was issued in 1809. 
The teachers reported are : 

Principal Bush. 

Miss J. C. Addington, preceptress. 
P. A. Collet, M. D., language. 
Mrs. Fannie Turner, French. 
Miss Emma Megguier, music. 

Tlie students for 18fi6-1867 numbered one hun- 
dred forty-five. One of the number, Harrv jMerrill, 
later studied medicine, and was recently in prac- 
tice at Maywood, Illinois, 

In 1867-1868 the enrollment was niuefv-<M<>.ht, 
Am*mg the number are seen the new names of Jef- 



I 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 257 

ferson F. Cl^^de, Alonzo T. Conley, and James I. 
Sweuey, the future lawyer and judge, physician 
and surgeon, financier and banker. The first named 
has^ been the very efficient secretary of the Semi- 
nary board for near twenty years; tlie last named 
its equally competent and faithful treasurer for 
near thirty years; and the other always one of its 
most devoted and liberal supporters. 

The next year the number of students increased 
again to one hundred ten. Of those who entered 
this year and afterward chose professional life 
were John Wesley Conley, Sanford F. Goodman, 
and Ira E. Town. Dr. Conley of Omaha, Ne- 
braska, has won a national reputation as a Bap- 
tist divine and author. Judge Town has been a 
leading member of the bar and bench for many 
years at Tacoma, Wash. 

Allie Crego (Smith) and Hattie Wedgewood 
(Olyde) were among the girls who entered this 
year. 

This school year of lS68-lSfi9 ended the Semi- 
nary's work in the old court house. It had been 
for Prof. Buph a busy six years' work, or seven 
years as he afterwards estimated it. He had left 
the impress of his own charming personality on a 
very large number of these early students. He 
lind taught them faithfully in the class room, and 
what they afterward recalled with far greater in- 
terest and delight — he had left the inspiration of 
his own pure and loftv ideals engraved in their 
future lives and characters, as few teachers are 
ever permitted to do. 



258 loaa Baptist Schools. 

The Seminary and the Cedar Valley Baptist Association. 

At the ninth anniversary of the Cedar Valley Baptist 
Association held at Osage, September, 186 4, the following 
was adopted: 

Whereas, the Cedar Valley Seminary located at Osage, 
has continued during another year with a prospect of per- 
manency and usefulness that justifies a complete organiza- 
tion; and. 

Whereas, it is understood by this association that the cit- 
izens of Osage and vicinity request this body to assume the 
supervision of said institution, and also that they propose 
to furnish suitable buildings for the permanent accommoda- 
tion of the school, with its necessary appurtenances, the 
perpetual occupancy of which it is designed to give to a 
corporation formed by this body upon the condition that a 
school adapted to the wants of the community be sustained; 

Therefore, Resolved, That we undertake to maintain a 
school in accordance with the proposed conditions, and for 
the accomplishment of this object, we hereby appoint a 
committee who shall for the present act as trustees of this 
school and report a plan of organization next year. 

The resolution was adopted, and the following named 
persons appointed trustees of said school: Rev. Walter 
Ross, S. B. Chase, M. D., A. H. Moore, M. D., and O. P. 
Harwood, Esq., of Osage; Rev. John Fulton, of Independ- 
ence; Rev. A. G. Eberhart, of Cedar Falls; and Rev. H. H. 
Burrington, of Waverly. 

Articles of incorporation were re]iortefl the fol- 
lowino- year, and finally adopted December 12, 
1867, as follows : 

Articles of Incorporation. 

We, the undersigned, do hereby associate ourselves to 
constitute a body corporate in accordance with chapter 
fifty-three (53) of the Revision of 18 60 of the Code of 
Iowa. 

Article 1. This incorporation shall be known by the name 
and style of "The Board of Trustees of Cedar Valley Sem- 
inary." 

Art. 2. The object of this incorporation shall be to 
establish and maintain an academical institution of learning 
in Osage, Iowa, of such grade as shall be deemed feasible 
by the incorporation. And the trustees shall have full 
power by resolution at any time to determine what profess- 
orships shall be established in such Institution. 



Cedar T alley Seminary. 259 

Art. 3. The powers of the incorporation shall be to have 
perpetual succession, to sue and be sued in its corporate 
name, to have a common seal, and to change the same at 
pleasure. The private property of the corporators shall 
be exempt from corporate debts. It shall have power to 
make contracts in the same manner and to the same ex- 
tent as private persons. 

Art. 4. The trustees of said incorporation shall consist 
of the following named persons; namely, S. B. Chase, A. H. 
Moore, and O. P. Harwood, who shall serve as such for one 
year; H. H. Burrington, T. F. Thickstun, and C. T. Tucker, 
who shall serve for two years; and W. W. Blackman, Peter 
Morse, and C. L. Clausen, who shall serve for three years. 

Art. 5. Such trustees and their successors in office shall 
constitute the corporators. 

Art. 6. Such corporators shall have full power to fill any 
vacancy in their numbers for the respective terms of each 
member. 

Art. 7. The corporate year shall terminate on the 
Wednesday preceding the fourth day of July. 

Art. 8. The "Cedar Valley Baptist Association," a vol- 
iintary religious association existing in the state of Iowa 
shall have authority to appoint the successors of the trus- 
tees at their annual meeting each year, and the successors 
of each class of trustees shall assume the duties of their 
office on Wednesday, preceding the fourth day of July next 
following, and until such duties be assumed by each suc- 
cessor the said duties may be performed by those previously 
In office. 

Art. 9. Said trustees shall be invested with all the powers 
of such incorporation, and may purchase, receive, by gift 
or otherwise, any real or personal property for the use of 
said incorporation, and may dispose of all such property 
in such manner as they may think expedient. They may 
make, alter, and amend their by-laws in such manner as 
they may deem for the best, and they may constitute such 
agents as they may believe useful, and determine their 
duties and powers, and may provide in such manner as 
they may deem proper for the conferring of any and all 
academic degrees, employ teachers, provide for endowments, 
and generally to make such rules and regulations in rela- 
tion to the support and control of such school as they may 
consider necessary. 

Art. 10. The incorporation shall in no case incur indebt- 
edness, which in the aggrer:ate shall exceed an amount 
greater than one-half of the fairly estimated value of the 
property belonging to said incorporation. 



200 lona Baptist idiJiools. 

S. B. Chase, O. P. Harwood, A. H. Moore, C. T. Tucker, 
W. W. Blackman, Peter Morse, C. L. Clauson.^ 

The first officers choseD after incorporatiou 
were Rev. C. T. Tucker, president; Dr. W. W. 
Blackman, vice-president ; Prof. Alva Bush, treas- 
urer; and Dr. S. B. Thase, secretary. 

REMOVAL TO THE NEW SEMINARY iiUILl)lv(,. 

The contest for the location of the county seat 
having finally been settled, it became necessary for 
the Seminary to find a home of its own. The citi- 
zens of Osage formed an organization named the 
"Trustees of Cedar Valley Seminary" in contra- 
distinction to the older incorporation styled the 
"Board of Trustees of Cedar Valley Seminary.'' 

The new organization purchased the north half 
of block 122 and the south half of block 95 for a 
campus and secured the closing and transfer of 
that part of Mechanic street between Fifth and 
Sixth streets to the north side of the plat pur- 
chased. 

A two story brick building, 86 by 72 feet, was 
erected for the use of the school in 1800. The 
up])er story was completed by the Osage Baptist 
church under an agreement that it should have 
the free use of the chapel for religious purposes 
for the term of ten years. 

The fourteenth annual meeting of the associa- 
tion convened at Osage, Friday, September 24, 
1869, and next day adopted the following: 

Whereas, A communication from the citizens of Osage 
has been received by this body, tendering to the trustees 
of Cedar Valley Seminary which are appointed by this as- 
sociation their beautiful seminary building Just completed 



"C. V. S. RecordB, pp. 7-11. 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 261 

at an expense of about $10,000, and the grounds attached, 
on condition that an endowment be raised for the seminary, 
and we pledge our continued patronage to the school, there- 
fore. 

Resolved, That we highly appreciate the liberality of the 
citizens of Osage, and the untiring energy and perseverance 
of Prof. Bush, who has been largely instrumental in raising 
the school to its present elevated position. 

Resolved, That we cordially accept the proffer made by 
the citizens of Osage, and undertake to raise an endow- 
ment for the seminary of $20,000 on condition that the 
owners of the building agree to transfer in fee simple the 
building and grounds to the board of trustees when the 
sum of $10,000 in cash and reliable notes bearing interest 
shall be raised toward a permanent endowment. 

The school opeucd au.spiciou.sly iii the new 
biiihliiig September, ISGU, Prof. Bush haviiig se- 
eiiied the services of Kev. Thomas Ure as iiistruct- 
or iu aucieiit laiiguages. Seveiity-five geiitlemeu 
aiid uiiiet^'-three ladies were eiirolled during the 
A^ear. 

The foUowiug year I'eler A. i^laleu became in- 
structor ill modern languages and Mrs. C. Murray 
teacher in music. This year there were fifty-four 
ladies and seventy-two gentlemen; among tbe lavier 
were several who later entered the professions, 
Kobert 1). Frost and iJavid P. ^V'ard, the ministry, 
P^iank H. Forbes, the law, and Dayton Ward, 
teaching. Forbes remained in Iowa, settling at 
Northwood, Frost A^ent east, and David Ward, 
Avest, settling in California Avhere he has long 
sei'A'^ed as state Sunday school missionary under 
the American Paptist Publication Society. 

In the year 1870 the first systematic effort seems 
to have been made to set-ure funds for the sup[)()rt 
of the school, including endowment. The board 
elected Rev. Asa Marsh of Kiceville, financial 
agent. From the A^ery meager records extant it 
appears that ^iv. Marsh was (|uite successful in 



-62 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

securiujjf notes, but leceiviug very little cash. Five 
one hundred dollar notes are recorded as given at 
a meeting of the association, probably at Waverly 
in 1870. Three of the number, however, are still 
in the hands of the treasurer, without any endorse- 
ments. Some needed funds were secured, though, 
to aid in carrying on the school, in those pioneer 
timeh when promises were more plenty than 
money. 

Mr. Marsh continued to act as agent for two 
years or Ut<ve. 

A bienni .; catalogue was issued in 1871, giving 
the names of (iic tirst graduating class in the his- 
tory of the school, the class of 1871. Their names 
are : 

Frank W. Chase and Charles Sumner Chase, Osage; 
Jefferson F. Clyde, St. Ansgar; Alonzo T. Conley, Water- 
town; Robert D. Frost, Marble Rock; William F. Lohr, 
Osage; Ferdinand Miller, Rock Creek; Mary J. Sweney 
and Emma J. Ure, Osage. 

In 1890 this class celebrated the twenty-fifth 
annivervsary of their graduation, by a reunion at 
the Seminary, all being present. It was a notable 
reunion of a notable class. The two Chases and 
Conley were i)]iysiciaus. Clyde and Lohr, lawyers. 
Frost, a minister, Mary Sweney, the wife of Frank 
Scammon, and Emma Ure, the wife of Rev. 
Thomas Ur(% Avliile Miller had been in public office 
most of his life since graduation. After the lapse of 
eleven more years all are living, so far as knoAvn 
to the writer, except ]Mr. Lohr. 

In 1872 an annual catalogue was issued. The 
list of teachers besides Prof. Bush were Rev. J. N. 
Lukens, Charles S. Chase, ^Nliss Abbie Bush, Mrs. 
Emma Narey, Mvh. Carrie Murray, and Charles 
L. Graves. 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 263 

There were one hundred sixteen students. Of 
this number Albert K. Button entered the min- 
istry, and has since served acceptably many 
churches in Iowa and South Daliota, and given six 
years of successful service as financial secretary 
of the Seminary and of Des Moines College in 
securing endowment and other funds. David For- 
rester Call, after graduating at the Seminary, 
and Madison, now Colgate University, returned to 
teach, first in the Seminary, later in Des Moines 
College, and the Iowa State University. Herbert 
M. Bushnell and Frank Scammon were students 
this year; the one removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, 
where he recently served as post-master of the 
city, the other chose the newspaper business, and 
has for many years been the successful publisher 
and proprietor of the Northwood Index at North- 
wood, Iowa. 

There were many other students this year, as 
there are any year, both gentlemen and ladies, 
who later succeeded equally well, and often better, 
in private life, such as Leonard Cutler, Frank 
French, Silas \V. Hill, Willard Laughliu, Harleigh 
Morse, Will Owen, Will Tupper, and Luciau Tut- 
tlc, and doubtless as many more, unknown oi' less 
known to the writer, and it would be impractica- 
ble even to try to give any just estimate of them in 
a work of this character. 

A decennial catalogue was also i)ublished in 
1872, giving the names of all students who at- 
tended from 1863 to 1872— six hundred tAventy 
five in number. At the annual meeting this year 
honorary diplonms were given twenty-six persons 
who had completed their Avork before graduating 
couises were established, and who would have 



264 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

been eiititied lu giaduatiou uuder liiter courses. 
Their names are found in tlie alumni list else- 
where. 

Jilarly in 1875, the board secured the services of 
Kev. L. N. Call, of Hampton, as tinancial agent to 
raise the |10,000 endowment in order to secure the 
control of the Seminary property from the old 
building committee. He continued the work for 
fifteen months when he made his final report 
showing- that he had been quite successful in se- 
curing notes but lacked |284 of receiving money 
enough to pay his salary and expenses, after de- 
ducting the amount of his two fifty dollar notes 
previously given. He accepted some notes he had 
secured in payment for the balance due him. 

May 18, 1870, Prof. Uush reported to the board 
as treasurer that the proposition made to them b}^ 
the trustees who had erected the Seminary build- 
ing, in regard to raising an endowment, had been 
complied with. 

The president A^"as authorized to accept the trans- 
fer of title and assume all outstanding indebted- 
ness. It seems that the transfer papers were ex- 
ecuted but not delivered until some 3^ears later. 

The next and last catalogue issued by Prof. 
Bush Avas in 187(5. During this four years, tY>o 
hundred fifty-six students had entered the Semi- 
nary. The folloAving are kuoAvn to ha^e entered 
the professions : 

^Ministry — W. AA\ Pratt, who graduated in 1875 
and thirty years later was pastor of a Baptist 
church at Passaic, N, J., and later assistant pastor 
at Russell H. Conwell's. Temple church, Philadel- 
phia, Pa. 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 265 

Law — Fred J. Leouard, David Poiudexter, 
Walter Byiugtou, Cliaile.s 1*. Reeves, the latter 
elected several times to the Minnesota house of 
representatives and the last term chosen speaker. 

Medicine — J. E. Caldwell and C. Frank Sweney. 

Teaching— Chancey P. Colgrove, Frank Ham- 
blin and -Jay A. Lapliam. Colgrove is on the fac- 
ulty of the Iowa State Normal school, and Lap- 
iiam, of Central College, at l*ella. 

Dan H. Houghton entered West Point and the 
army. The familiar names of Lewis M. Alexander, 
Charles N, Bliss, Harry H. Dane, and Jerry L>. 
Sheehan are also in the list. 

A number of the girls who entered during this 
period afterwards honored the teachers" profession, 
among them at least, Eva Button, Leona Call, Leni 
L. (xardner, and Amelia Lohr, besides, doubtless, 
many others who made equally good records in the 
school room, the home or the hospital. 

Kev. Loreu T. Bush was added to the faculty in 
1876 for one year, and then replaced by Prof. David 
]'\ Call, who continued in the faculty until he went 
to Des Moines, in 1881. 

No list of students for 1876-1877 has been pre- 
served. Eight this year received diplomas for 
graduation. For the year, 1877-1878, the Cedar 
Valley Seminarian in its first issue, June, 1878, 
contains a list of 187 students, including seven 
who completed the course. Among the number 
were two, A. B. Coats from Mitchell and Daniel 
Reagan from Benson's Grove, who later entered 
the Baptist ministry; Frank E. Whitley from 
Jamestown, N. Y., medicine; and Hamlin Garland 
from Osage. All remained to graduate. ]Miss Call 
probably iiolds first rank among lad}^ teachers in 



266 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Iowa, having held for ten years the professorship 
of Greek in the Iowa State University. Garland 
long since won national reputation as an original 
and versatile writer, his always interesting and 
fascinating works being found in most libraries 
and homes of the country, east and west. 

There were probably more students in the school 
this year of 1877-1878 than during any other year 
of Prof. Bush's administration, and yet the income 
was wretchedly inadequate to support a good 
school. His report to the board dated June 28, 
1878, was as follows: 

Received on tuitions, $1,9 47.25; interest on endowment, 
$477.75; total, $2,425. 

Expended — Professor of languages, $600; preceptress, 
$400; wood, $100; printing and repairs, $50; janitor 
work, $25; incidentals, $25; on salary, $1,200; total, 
$2,425. 

. Three teachers could not adequately instruct 187 
students of all grades as these weve^ without over- 
taxing their energies, and |225 for the expenses 
was wholly inadequate. 

In 1878 Mr. John Rehmann was added as 
teacher of German. 

The next year's report showed an even worse 
conditi<m of the finances. The total income was 
|2,287.72. The report names seven assistant 
teachers, ^^•ith but |84() to divide between them, 
and but |241.72 for all other expenses. 

The incentives to teaching are nearly always in 
the consciousness of what is done for others, ratlier 
than in any present comforts or surplus saved for 
future needs. 

During the year 1878-1879 one hundred and 
twenty-two students were enrolled, including John 
S. Festerson from Brown's Valley, Minn., and 



Cedar Y alley Seminary. 267 

Fred Hall ; one entering the ministry, the other the 
teacher's profession, also Stella J. Rice, who re- 
mained to graduate in 1883, later becoming a very 
successful teacher of instrumental music. 

May 5, 1880, Messrs. Foreman, Brush, and Chase 
were appointed a committee to examine the finan- 
cial condition of the Seminary, and to report, if 
possible, some steps which would relieve it, of the 
debt encumbering it, so that the title may be trans- 
ferred to and perfected in the board of trustees. 
There is no record of a report. 

In 1879 :Mr. George 1). Pattengill was added as 
teacher of the natural sciences. During the year 
there were one hundred and twenty-eight students, 
among the number, Fred W. Lohr, who remained 
to graduate in 1883, theuce completing the liberal 
arts and law courses in the state university, and 
entering the law, and now living at Sioux City; 
and ]Miss Mvra E. Call, present professor of Latin, 
Iowa state normal school. 

In 1880-1881 there were ninety-three students, 
the list being published in the Seminarian of June, 
1881. The instructors this year were. Prof. Bush, 
David F. Call, Frank Hambliu,^ and Miss Leona 
A. Call, besides those giving instruction in music 
and art. 

Witli the close of this year's school Prof. Bush 
comi)leted his labors. June 2(5, 1881, he died of 
paralysis at the age of fifty-one years, five months, 
and one day. 

In 1868 lie had received the honorary degree of 
A. M. from the old University of Chicago, and in 
June, 1880, the degree of LL. D., from the Univer- 
sity of Des Moines; a most worthy recognition of 
a noble man who liad devoted his life to scholarlv 



268 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

attaiuiiieuts and scliolarl}^ labors for the benefit of 
his fellow men. Jjr. Bush was a teacher rather 
than an administrator. He could build character 
among his students better than he could build an 
institution for the work of character building in 
the future. Had he been permitted to live, how- 
ever, another decade or two, he might have done 
more work in that line also. 

When the present writer came to Osage in July, 
1881, on the earnest invitation of its board, there 
was no endowment fund, nor any other fund in the 
(Seminary treasury. The board had no deed for 
its campus. The Osage Baptist church had already 
occupied the chapel twelve years on a ten years' 
lease. The building was out of repair and needed 
a roof. There Avas a debt against the property ag- 
gregating |4,500, a part of it for brick used in its 
erection. There were a good mau}^ endowment 
notes, new and old. Some endowment had been 
collected and used or loaned to teachers. The 
situation was not inviting. Yet, he had entered 
an Iowa Baptist academy twenty-five years Ix^buc, 
and laid there the foundation of his education. He 
knew the condition of the other Iowa Baptist 
schools intimately. Their history had been to him 
a pathetic one. He had grave fears that not one of 
tlie three might be able to hold out, under the 
burdens of debt and other difficulties then encum- 
bering every one of them. He wanted to see this 
school at least, for v,hich his old schoolmate had 
laid down his life which had a history above re- 
proacli, saved to the denomination. He accej>led 
the only terms the board Avere willing, or perhaps 
able under the circumstances, to offer, the same as 
had been previously given to Prof. Bush, nameW, 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 269 

that he should have the entire management of the 
Seminary, receiving all the tuitions from the 
school and all endowment interest after July 1, 
1881, to procure at his own expense all teachers, 
and defray the current expenses of the maintenance 
of the school. It was a hard contract at best. It 
involved large personal risk to begin with. It 
would almost necessarily subject him to criticism, 
sooner or later. It placed upon him responsibilities 
that ought to be shared by others. But there 
was no other alternative, except to refuse what 
seemed to him a call to duty. He accepted the 
service, entered upon it witli hope and enthusiasm, 
and carried it forward to the best of his ability 
during twenty-one years. He realized that some 
serious problems confronted him. 

With the death of Dr. Bush, and the departure 
of Prof. Call and his sister to take up woik at Des 
^Foines, no member of the faculty remained, and 
but few of the old students were likely to return. 

A debt must be provided for, the amount of 
which was not known to any member of the board. 
Title was yet to be secured to the Seminary prop- 
erty, where the school had been conducted for the 
past twelve years. Some plan must he devised to 
secure support for the school other than tuitions 
before permanency could be assured. Measures 
must be adopted to collect interest and principal, 
as far as practicable, on endowment notes secured 
during the last eleven years or more. Mr. J. E. 
James had been elected treasurer on tlie death of 
Prof. Bush, and had in his possession about one 
hundred and seventy of these old notes, aggregat- 
ing 16,385.33. The day after school opened in 
September, while looking up the subject of title to 



27i) foica Baptist *SV7/ oo/s*. 

the Seminary property, he accidentally discovered 
in some musty old tiles in the law office of D, W, 
Poindexter, the deed executed five or six years 
earlier, and took it to the court house for record. 
The recording of this instrument led the old cred- 
itors to look up their interests, and early in the 
followinji' year suits were instituted in the courts 
to attacli the property as security for the claims. 
A committee of the hoard was appointed to deter 
mine the amount of the old debts, and another to 
canvass for subscriptions conditioned on the pay- 
ment of the claims in full. Suffice to say that 
$4,523. 84 were secured for the old debts, including 
the creditors' gifts, and $260 additional for repairs 
and a new roof, placing the property for tlie first 
time clear of debt. 

Prof. N. E. Goldthwait, of Boone, who had done 
four years of the best kind of work in Des ]\foinp« 
College, and Miss Mattie Eaton, a teacher of ex- 
])erience and rare ability, were secured to assist 
the principal, and the school opened September 21. 

Thirteen of the old students returned the first 
term with eighteen others, and the work began. 
The next term sixteen more students enrolled, in- 
cluding seven of the last year's students. The 
enrollment for the year was fifty-eight. At the 
close of the first term Prof. Goldthwait decided 
there was not enough work in the school for two 
stalwart men, and withdrew. 

Of the forty boys who entered that year nearly 
half remained to graduate and make enviable rec- 
ords in life. The writer has followed nearly all of 
them with special interest and satisfaction, as they 
have sooner or later won their way to success in 
their several callings: Fred F. Faville, Conrad 



Cedar Y alley ^■eminary. 271 

F. Hambreeht, Frank T. King, and Tim D. 
Bheehau in the law; Charles H. Hurd and riiarles 
C Wiggins in medicine; Dan I. Coon and Frank 
E. Pelton in the ministry; Geo. P. White at West 
Point and in the army; Frank Annis, (leorge E. 
Haskell, Frank and Lewis James, and Franz Rund- 
borg in sueeessfiil business, Haskell winning a 
large fortune; Frank Avery and Willis Wilkin 
while forging to the front paid the debt of natuie 
soon after completing their studies. 

One of the compensations in the teachers' life 
is the keen satisfaction experienced wlK-iiever his 
or her "boys and girls" win unusual success in life. 
However little their influence may have contrib- 
uted to this result, it is a source of perennial joy 
and pride. 

July 12, 1882, Treasurer James, desiring to sur- 
render his office, Cashier James I. Sweney of the 
Mitchell county bank, was elected treasurer, and 
still holds the position. Treasurer Sweney has 
with great labor and pains froni the first kept his 
books in such a manner as to show in detail the 
history of every dollar cominn- into any one of the 
funds of the Seminary, including endowment. 

Mr. James turned over to Treasurer Sweney en- 
dowment fund collected during the year, |390. fifi; 
interest, .|62.13. Treasurer Sweney has not only 
made full and detailed reports ever since, but the 
board has preserved them by ordering them copied 
as part of the records regularly since the year 1886. 

June 28, 1882, two additional teachers were 
elected : Miss Emma L. Miller, Marshalltown, 
Wis., English, and Miss Myrtie A. Stevens, Mt. 
Carroll, 111., music and elocution. July 19, Rev. 
A. R. Button was elected financial agent to begin 



272 foita Bapti-'it Hdiools. 

service August 15, at |600 and expenses for self 
and use of team. The conditions were : "such sal- 
ary and expenses to be paid fi-om such amounts as 
the said agent shall secure by subscriptions.'' 

Of the one hundred and seven students who en- 
tered in 1882 a considerable number remained long 
enough to lay the foundation of a good education : 
Taylor A. Alexander, Alva B. Lovejoy, and George 
C. Otto, entered the law; Lincoln F. Abernethy, en- 
tered the ministry; Wm. P. Hunt, Frank W. Lee, 
and W. S. Pitts, medicine; Frank A. Brush became 
a banker; H. Arthur White entered West Point, 
and later the army. A number took up teaching 
for a time, among them, James F. Hetler, Mal)el 
Abernethy, Flora Bush, Nellie and Jennie Kidney, 
and Belle A. Sweney. A large number of the boys 
became successful business men. 

With more than a hundred new students addefl 
this year to the fine body of those returning from 
the previous year, there was something doing and 
to do in the school. Additional classes and better 
equipmeni were required. The teaching fori*e 
proved inadecpiate. It was difficult to secure good 
boarding places, and boarding house rates went up. 

The board was convened March 12, 18^3, and th« 
principal authorized to solicit siibscriptions for 
philosopliical ap])aratus. A subscription was forth- 
with begun, several hundred dollars secured aiul 
expended for apparatus of various kinds, including 
a fine electrical machine, air pump, dynamo, etc., 
making a good foundation which yet after noarly 
twenty-five years is the bas's of the Seminary's 
present excellent laboratory equipment, with sid) 
sequent occasional additions. 

In the following July it was decided to institute 




REV. P. S. WHITMAN, D. D. 



(Jedar \ alley Seminary. 273 

a boarding house. A building was rented for the 
purjiose at the principal's expense and risk, of 
course, and another subscription started to procure 
the necessary furnishings. This subscription was 
raised in the neighboring towns outside of Osage. 
Its success resulted two years later in the erection 
of a dormitory and boarding hall for teachers and 
students. 

At the beginning of the third year, September 
10, 1883, two new teachers were added, Miss Clara 
Remley, of Iowa City, an alumnus of th<» .•-'tate 
university and a teacher of experience and ability, 
for science and German, and Miss Susie J. Pratt, 
of New Hartford, a graduate of (-entral College, 
who proved a most excellent teacher, for uiaihemat- 
ics and English. Later in the year Rev. J•^ W. 
(lardner was added for history and Lat'u. 

A large number of new students entered again 
this year, the enrollment for the year reaching 
two hundred and tAvo. Among the number some 
remained long enough to cultivate the love of 
study, and later to enter the professions. Charles 
F. Brownlie, Charles S. Dean, and Daniel Ileagau, 
in the ministry, George S. Coon and Irene Smed- 
ley, medicine; Samuel W. Beyer, Sherman M. Cr^d- 
dington, Alice Maud ]McKinley won high rank as 
teachers; Beyer as professor of geology in the Iowa 
state college of agriculture and mechanic arts, iud 
^liss McKinley a^s professor of Latin in the (Chi- 
cago high school. Charles W. Alexander, Ed. J. 
Cannon, Harvey E. Jones, Alfred C. Page, and 
Afton S. Wright, have to the writer's knowU^dge 
won imusual success in business. 

A fine school had been organized, a Siifierio,' 
class of students gathered, with little iucoaie, ex- 



274 loica Bapiiat iiyiliools. 

cept from student tuitions. A splendid (lass of 
tliirteen liad rompleted their work and deserved 
t]ie di])lonias that were given them at the June 
commencement, 1884. All have honored theif 
professions and their other stations in life. Willis 
r. Wilkin died in the south a short time after com- 
pleting his course, and Lizzie Sweet (Sime) fr»l- 
lowed some years later. 

In May, 1884, the board accepted the gift of 40 
acres of land, lying a mile south of the present city 
of Oelwein in Fayette county from Mr. Samuel 
Strows, of Ft. Atkinson, Iowa, through financial 
agent, Mr. Button, on condition that he be paid 
f50 to reimburse him for some expenditure made 
on the property. This property was sold January 
8, 1885, for |12.50 an acre on advice of some Oel- 
wein friends. Mr. Button resigned his agency at 
this time and the board accepted the resignation 
with the following commendation : "That the 
thanks of the board be tendered him for his able 
and efficient services." He soon after entered upon 
like service for Des Moines College. 

Of the students who entered in 1884, four at 
least became bankers, Charles H. Beckett, Park C 
Pratt. Alva H." Shaffer, and Samuel R. Ure. Rush 
O. Butler entered the law; William O. Rlanchar, 
medicine; Lee A. Brink, the ministry; Ampelias 
H. Avery and Horton A. Dwelle rose to prominence 
as teachers and school superintendents. Vinnie 
Bush (Moran). Everett A. Fields, William L. Fit- 
kin, Charles H. Heath, Delos ^1. Palmer, Clarence 
A. Palmer, Stanton R. Pelton, and Arthur, Eugene, 
and Wilber Simons, all filled well their places at 
a later day in their several callings. July 1, 1885, 
Prof. H. A. Simons was elected to the chair of 
science. At the same date it was decided to under- 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 21 o 

take the ereetion of a ladies' dormitory and board- 
ing house. Nine days later |1,000 had been sub- 
scribed and when |1,500 had been secured Col. J. 
H. Sweney offered the following resolution, which 
was adopted: 

That there be loaned from the endowment fund $1,500 
to be used In the erection of said building In accordance 
with plans to be approved by the board, and this on the 
specific condition and pledge that the income from said 
building shall be first applied to the payment of interest 
on said amount loaned. 

The building was completed at a cost of 
14,041.03; cost of furnishing, |467.37; total, 
14,508.40. It was occupied in November, 1885. 

The loan proved an excellent investment, as the 
revenue from the use of the building has probably 
always been several times as much as the interest 
on the loan would have been. The first winter 
every room was filled with students, the girls oc- 
cupying the ten rooms on the second floor, and the 
boys the same number on the third floor. Several 
of the rooms even (10 by 15 feet in size), having 
three students each. It was .soon discovered that 
the building was too small to house properly such 
a body of students, and three months later a sub- 
scription was started for a second building of the 
same size, 38 by 52, to furnish needed room for the 
business department, and for the young men. The 
erection of this building proved too heavy a tax 
on the generous citizens of Osage, and its comple- 
tion was delayed a year or more until outside help 
could be secured, the plan adopted being to com- 
]»lete the building, after it was inclosed, as fast 
as the funds could be secured. One thousand dol- 
lars of endowment fund was added to the funds 
subscribed for this building. A great deal of 
criticism was indulged in for years on account of 



2.76 loica UaiJtiat ^vJiools. 

these two loans, by ]>arti(\s in Osage who had con- 
ri'i])nle(l little oi' nothing toward the erection of 
Uie buildings, or in fact for any Seminary improve- 
ment. These an<l othei- like trnmped up charges 
of misunniagemenr were kept np for a series of 
years, until fnlly 175, 000 had been accumulated, 
mostly in endowment, a large and prosperous 
sciiool being all the time maintained, the institu- 
tion meantime being managed and conducted 
without debts. The complaints were finally carried 
into the annual meetings of the association, which 
had years before been invited to elect the trustees, 
until the board were compelled, in order to protect 
the school, to change its articles of incorporation 
in ;March 1898, so as to elect their own successors, 
as all othei- similar schools in the state had done 
from the beginning. 

For the year, 1885-1886, the faculty was further 
strengthened by the addition of ]Miss Mary A. Cal- 
kins, vocal music and ]>ainting; Miss Stella J. 
Rice, instrumental music ; and Miss Anna J. Kelly, 
elocution. Among the new students enrolled this 
year were Hugh A. Heath and Arthur L. Weather- 
Iv, who later entered the ministry; also E. Clark 
Rarton, Albert L. Brush, Patrick H. Cannon, Delia 
Cunningham, Edward E. Johnson, Earl M. Merritt, 
and Hiram E. Tuttle, who later entered various 
positions of trust and responsibility. 

August 21, 1886, Supt. Jay A. Lapham, who had 
served as county superintendent of Chickasaw 
county and eity superintendent at New Hampton, 
was elected financial secretary for six months ; but 
before he had done much canvassing he was given 
clinrge of some classes in the school, and preferring 
that work to the other and succeeding well in it, he 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 277 

Avas given charge of the English work, and con- 
tinued in the position for many years. 

The enrollment for 188G-1S8T was one huudied 
and fift3'-seveu. Among the students entering this 
year, who afterwards chose professional life, were 
Herbert A. Abernethy, Guy Guernsey, Herbert L. 
fc>toughtou, the law ; Clarence H. Lockwood, the 
ministry; Fred D. Nichols and li. Hart Walker 
taught for a time and then went into business, as 
did also J. L. McLaurey, (.'liarles H. Morse, and 
William J. Starr. 

vSe\ enty-six new students entered in 1887 ; among 
them Thonms M. Atherton, Arnold E. Urown, Clark 
E. Gardner, Gordon W. llandlett, Eay D. Smith, 
John E. Whirry, James L. Whirry; all of them 
already more or less widely known as editors, 
teachers, preachers, and business men. November 
VI, 1887, Kev\ A. K. Button was again elected 
tinancial secretary, coming from the same work at 
i)es Moines College. He continued in this service 
until October 10, 1890. ■ 

June 12, 1888, trustee, J. F. Clyde, was elected 
secretary of the board, and still tills the position 
by successive annual elections. He has from the 
tirst taken special care to make the records ac- 
curate, full, and complete. It has been the custom 
of the board for years to have all reall}' important 
acts made a part of the record, including detailed 
accounts of the annual current expenses, the 
receipts and disbursements of the treasurer and 
the like; all transfers of real estate are made by 
call of the roll, with record of those voting aye 
and nay. 

Two of the early trustees. Judge Cyrus l^'oreman 
and ex-Congressman N. C. Deeriug, both of whom 



278 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

liud gi»eu loug, effieieut, and faithful service, died 
during the precediug year, aud their deaths were 
recorded by suitable resolutions. Principal Aber- 
nethy was elected to succeed Judge Foreman, on 
the board. 

For the school year beginniutr September, 1888, 
Miss Mary E. Farr from Colby College, Maine, 
became teacher of Latin and Greek, and proved to 
be a teacher of rare ability. Rev. J. C. Pope, pastor 
of the Osage Baptist church, was secured to teach 
New Testament history aud Christian evidences. 
John E. ANhirry became assistant in English. 
There were this year two hundred and three 
students. Among those entering this year C. 
lIoAvard Babcock later became a lawyer; Ralph L. 
Whitley, a physician ; George Sneath, a minister ; 
Karl Johnson, a banker; Ernest Faville, an editor; 
Kittie F. Bacon and Maude Cunningham, teachers; 
and Alva B. Coddington and Sumner Samson en- 
tered the mercantile business. 

February 4, 1889, Col. Aberuethy reported that 
he had received a proposition from Rev. P. S. 
Whitman, of Toccoa, Ga., to deed near 400 acres 
of land in Howard county, for an annuity of |350 
for himself and wife. It was voted unanimouslv 
to accept the offer and empower the officers to 
execute the necessary papers. May 10, following, 
the papers duly executed, were submitted to 
tlie board, and the following resolution was spread 
upon the records : 

Bj' unanimouB vote of all present the property obtained 
from Rev. Whitman was placed in the endowment fund 
of the Seminary. 

In March, 1889, application was made by tlie 
board to the American Baptist Education Society 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 279 

for aid toward Kecuriug funds for endoAvment, aud 
iu May the principal was delegated to attend the 
anniversary of the society at Boston, to present 
the application before the executive committee. 
This action resulted two years later in securing 
|t),G50 from the society for endowment. 

In June, 1889, I'rof. Simons retired from the 
school to accept the superintendency of the public 
scliools, of Hamburg, Iowa. Ue was a conscien- 
tious, earnest, excellent teacher, and a good man. 
Miss Mary E. l^ray, a recent graduate of Colb}' 
College, Maine, Avas elected teacher of science and 
German. 8he proved to be a most valuable addi- 
tion to the teaching force of the school. Two hun- 
dred and thirteen students were in attendance this 
year. Several of these entered the professions 
later; Archie W. Caul, the ministry; Frank B. 
AMiitmore, medicine, and later became a missionary 
to China; Oliver H. Bemis and Clinton E. Couley, 
became dentists; Liudsey A. Grimes, Die Halling- 
by, and Dottie I. Davies, remained to graduate and 
became teachers for a time. 

During the school ^ear, 1890-1891, there were 
two hundred and forty-tAvo students. Of these 
Charles V. Clark entered the laAv, Luther \V. Ross, 
the ministry, and Elmer H. DAA^elle, medicine. 

NoA-ember 1, 1890, Rev. P. S. Whitman loaned 
the Seminary .|T00, the proceeds from the sale of 
some Hancock county laud, at six per cent, iuter- 
(>st. FJAc bundred dollars of this came to the 
Seminary through his will, ten years later. 

February 9, 1891, the Seminary board Aoted to 
establish a chair of Greek language and literature 
to be named The Spencer Whitman Chair in Greek, 
in honor of one of its earliest and most j^enerous 



280 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

beuefactors. At au adjourued anuual meetiug held 
June 23, the board decided to undertake to raise 
125,000 for endowment, and |3,000 for debts, and 
to apply to the American Baptist Education 
{Society for |0,250 toward the endowment, and 
|1,200 for salary of agent. A prompt response came 
to this second application, pledging |6,650 if the 
school would raise |21,350 ; |25,000 of the total to 
be for endowment. The principal was at once 
authorized to enter upon the canvass, and |800 
salary Avas voted for the ensuing year, to pay for 
additional teaching force and other expenses in- 
cident to his devoting his whole time to the can- 
vass. Rev. William E. Kaudall, pastor at Iowa 
Falls, was secured as financial agent to enter at 
once upon the canvass at a salary of |100 a mouth 
and his expenses, and a vigorous canvass was in- 
augurated. 

The records of October 30, 1891, contain the fol- 
lowing: 

We bow with sorrow in the presence of death which has 
deprived us of our esteemed co-laborer^ Dr. Sumner B. 
Chase, who departed this life, June 19, 1891. 

Whereas, We have learned in social and business rela- 
tions of his deep and abiding interest in this institution, in 
all matters pertaining to intellectual advancement and the 
moral upbuilding of the community, for which he was ever 
ready to contribute of his means and his time. Therefore, 

Resolved, That we hereby express our deep conviction of 
the loss of our community at large, and extend to his 
devoted wife and family the assurance of our high regard 
for him as a citizen, a Christian, and a public benefactor. 

A special meeting of the board held April 15, 
1892, ccmtains the following record: 

The following resolutions were presented by Col. Aber- 
nethy. Whereas, in the Providence of God our board has 
been called upon to suffer the loss of Mr. J. R. James, 
who for many years has ))een one of our most active and 
efficient members, and, 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 281 

Whereas, The Seminary ha^ profited largely by his judi- 
cious counsel, his untiring zeal in its behalf, his intelligent 
and most generous giving; therefore, 

Resolved, That we feel deeply his loss; that we hereby 
express our high appreciation of his sterling Christian 
character, that we recognize the fact that in all its his- 
tory the Seminary has had no more loyal and help- 
ful supporter, no one v.iio in times of perplexity and em- 
barrassment, did more to encourage and sustain the school; 
that in all our relations with our brother, and in business 
matters, we have found him courteous, thoughtful, and ap- 
preciative of the opinions of others. We thank God for his 
life and example, and hope that to the Seminary other 
friends as true and wise and generous may be raised up. 

June 27, 1892, the follow inji records appear: 

Col. Abernethy reported that Caroline Waite of Iowa 
Falls had conveyed to the Seminary real estate in said cor- 
poration, and executed her Vv^ill in favor of the Seminary; 
she to have life lease of property. The deed, will, and the 
agreement as drawn by Mrs. Waites agent, and executed 
by her, were read and considered. By a unanimous vote 
the officers were instructed to execute the agreement, and 
the doings of Col. Abernethy were fully ratified and ap- 
proved. Col. Abernethy presented a second agreement en- 
tered into with Deacon Hosea Lafler, of Cedar Rapids, la., 
for the conveyance of house and lot in Cedar Rapids, the 
Seminary to provide one permanent scholarship, the oc- 
cupant to be nominated by donor or principal; and the 
preservation intact of the proceeds of the sale of the prop- 
erty. Board voted unanimously to ratify and approve the 
agreement. 

The.se two additions to the eiidowitient w(«re 
secured throuj^li the effort of A<»'ent W. E. Randall. 

By the terms of the Education Society's gift, the 
|21,'350 must be secured h,y July 1, 1892; and as 
tliis date approached during the spring of that 
year the canyass became strenuous. It \yas dis- 
coyered that Iowa was a large state; and that a 
great many Baptist homes needed to be yisited. 
Prof, N. E. Goldthwait, that Nestor among Iowa 
Baptists, was grafted into the seryice. Pastors ( '. 
J. Pope, A. R. Button, ^V. L. Ferguson, and J. A. 



282 Iowa Baptist Schools, 

Laphaui were each pressed into service for a month 
or more. President Stetson had rendered etfective 
work at intervals throughout the year. When July 
1 came the canvassers and interested friends 
gathered to submit reports and learn results. The 
designated committee, after an all day canvass of 
the returns, were enabled to announce in the early 
evening that the required amount had been secured 
to meet the conditions imposed by the Education 
Society. 

July '22 the following record of the board ap- 
pears : 

Col. Abernethy submitted the following report on finan- 
cial canvass, which was adopted and ordered spread upon 
the records: 

Gentlemen: I hereby submit the following report of the 
recent canvass to secure endowment and pay debts of the 
Seminary. The total sum secured, according to the report 
of the committee, July 1, 1892, was as follows: 

Total sum of pledges counted $23,064.25 

Total sum of cash collected 2,001.81 

Total sum secui'ed and counted $25,066.06 

To this should be added gift of American Baptist 

Education Society 6,650.00 

Also: House and lot, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; gift 

of Hosea Lafler 1,000.00 

House and lot, Cresco, Iowa; gift of Rev. P. S. 

Whitman 700.00 

Ten lots. Lime Springs, Iowa; gift of Rev. P. S. 

Whitman 300.00 

House and lot, Iowa Falls, Iowa; gift of Mrs. 

Caroline R. Walte 1,000.00 

Total $34,716.00 

The expenses of securing the same are as follows: 

Salary. Trav'ng exp. 

Principal, twelve months $800.00 $260.18 

Printing, postage, and telegrams. . . 85.77 

W. E. Randall, 9 1-3 months 930.00 282.42 

N. E. Goldthwait, 1 1-3 months.... 133.33 7S.88 

C. J. Pope, 1 month 100.00 31.25 

A. R. Button, 1 month 95.00 35.47 

W. L. Ferguson, 1 1-3 months 93.75 49.61 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 288 

J. A. Lapliam. 1 1-2 months 105.00 19.79 

N. E. Chapman, 9 days 22.50 6.86 

H. L. Stetson 180.00 129.25 

$2,459.58 $979.47 

Total expenses $3,439.05 

Of this |2,459 paid for services, $800 was paid 
back to tlie eudowiuent fuiid by the same parties, 
in subscription to the fund. 

Those friends who contributed fifty dollars or 
more for this endowment were as follows : 

Rev. P. S. Whitman, D.D., and wife, Toccoa, Ga.; Deacon 
Hosea Lafler and wife, Covington; Mrs. C. R. Waite, Iowa 
Falls; each, $1,000. 

J. R. James, Osage; J. H. Brush, Santa Rosa, Cal.; 
Mrs. H. H. Shaffer. New Hampton; C. M. Livngston, Mon- 
roe; each, $500. 

J. S. Wheeler, Mason City; A. Abernethy, Osage; each, 
$300. 

Charles Sweney, Osage; W. F. Havper.Ottumwa; each, 
$250. 

•J. I. Sweney, J. A. Lapham, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hawley, 
Avery Brush, and J. B. Kingsbury & Co., Osage; F. Y. 
Whitmore, West Union; L. and A. J. Dwelle, North wood; 
Mrs. Mary A. Strows, Ft. Atkinson; Dr. A. Cleghorn, Cleg- 
horn; each, $200. 

Hon. J. F. Clyde, J. W. Annis, Osage; Dr. E. C. Spin- 
ney, Des Moines; Hon. J. D. Glass, Mason City; each, $150. 

A. J. Burtch, Rev. C. J. Pope, O. P. Woodard, E. L. 
Sawyer, G. B. Lovejoy, Hon. J. A. Smith, S. W. Hastings, 
W. L. Eaton, E. S. Fonda, Mrs. L. C. Pettit, Misses L. and 
G. Foreman, Baptist Sunday School, Hon. J. H. Sweney, 
and Dr. W. W. Blackman, Osage; Mrs. Rebecca J. Grimes, 
West Union; Prof. N. E. Goldthwait, Boone; L. W. Her- 
sey, Waukon; Prof. A. N. Currier, Iowa City; J. R. Adams, 
Mason City; E. A. Hovey, Independence; S. W. Cole, Grln- 
nell; Col. A. Cochran. Little Sioux; William Hughes, 
Davenport; Charles Bofink, Jefferson; Mrs. Nellie Black- 
man, West Mitchell; Dr. G. W. Carter, Mrs. S. R. Bowen. 
Marshalltown; Prof, and Mrs. Loughridge, Cedar Falls; 
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, Drs. C. S. and F. W. Chase, Water- 
loo; Mrs. P. W. Miles, Corydon; Mrs. M. Alden, Anamosa; 
Hon. W. L. Joy, Sioux City; L. M. Alexander, Port 
Edwards, Wis.; E. R. Barron, La Crosse, Wis.; J. J. 
Powell and wife, Cedar Rapids; each, $100. 



284 loiva Baptist Schools. 

A. M. Walker, G. M. Stoughton and wife, Osage; Milton 
Remley, Iowa City; W. H. Barton, Mason City; Prof. T. 
Tobin, Fort Dodge; each, $75. 

Rev. W. B. Randall, Boone; $60. 

Prof. J. E. Whirry, Starr Bros., F. E. James, A. S. 
Wright, Mrs. E. B. Coffin, C. H. Morse, F. E. Rundborg, 
O. Rundborg & Co., C. H. Cotter, C. N. Bliss, Dr. J. W. 
Barrett, Dr. J. L. Whitley, Mrs. J. L. Blakeslee, J. B. 
Slieehan, J. F. Dailey, George E. Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. 
Albert Bush, Young People's Union, J. B. Cutler, William 
Woods, and Mrs. M. May, Osage; H. V. Dwelle, H. A. 
Dwelle, B. H. Beckett, and O. E. Eckert, North wood; A. B. 
Tuttle, Mason City; A. Ressler and J. H. Hall, Shell Rock; 
Mrs. C. S. Crosby and F. S. Crosby, Sheffield; Krebs Bros., 
Cedar Rapids; Rev. H. W. Tilden, D.D., Des Moines; J. H. 
A cseler, Plaintield; Mrs. C. Stillwell, Fayette; Rev. N. 
B. Rairden, Washington; Dr. L. Fuller and Hon. S. B. 
Zeigler, West Union; Rev. W. P. Thompson, Hudson; H. 
W. Kohlke, Rockwell; Rev. A. R. Button, Cascade; Allen 
H. Clarke, Waverly; Dr. W. H. Dickinson, Des Moines; 
Dr. and Mrs. M. D. Bevan, Atlantic; W. H. Moore, Quas- 
queton; Mrs. Sarah E. Bigelow, Ames; William Kirtly, 
Ogden; Dr. F. W. Lee, Riceville; W. A. McHenry and Mrs. 
Mary S. S. McHenry, Denison; Caleb Stock, West Mitchell; 
D. J. Patton, Hampton; Miss Belle Hamilton, Ottumwa; 
Rev. G. F. Holt, E. B. Smith, Baptist Sunday School, Water- 
loo; Rev. A. B. Coats, Beverly, Mass.; U. Roraback, Daven- 
port; C. A. Yarns, Spirit Lake; Robert Waddell, Mitchell; 
Young People's Union, Superior; Young People's Union, 
Waterloo; H. H. Dane, Washington, D. C; A. D. Maxon, 
Cedar Rapids; Dr. A. T. Conley, Cannon Falls, Minn.; Mrs. 
J. V. Hinchman, Glenwood ; Rev. H. M. Jones, Cottage 
City, Mass.; each, $50. 

For the j^ear 1891-1892 there were tAvo hundred 

aud sixtv-.seven stiideuts enrolled. Among' the new 

sltidents entering, Rolla E. Brown entered the 

ministry. George H. Sawyer, after completing his 

Seminnry course, and later his college course in 

the University of Chicago, in 1898 taught 

niatliematics in the Seminary one year, and in 1899 

\A'as elected ]>rinci])al of the Osage high school. 

Later he became sujierintendent, which ])osition he 

holds in 1907. A splendid class of eleven graduntod 

this yenr. It would have been twel'\;e but for the 

deceaNC of Ada E. Bush. 



Cedar Y alley Seminary. 285 

Some changes occurred in the faculty for the 
ensuing year. Miss May Z. Parker was added for 
iiiiithematics and elocution; Miss Annette H. 
Whitney replaced Miss Mabel Abernethy in in- 
strumental music, and IJev. N. E. Chapman in 
vocal. Much of the principal's time was devoted 
the next few 3^ears to the collection of endownu^nt 
subscriptions, and the care and disposal of the 
large proi>erties that had been secured as the result 
of the last year's canvass. 

When commencement came, eTune 7, 1893, 
another fine class of eight was graduated, out of 
two hundred and sixteen students in attendance. 
Of those who entered this year, Bert H. Coonradt, 
H. Eastman Colby, and INTiss Gail Sweeney re- 
mained to graduate. Coonradt entered the minis- 
try. Colby became a teacher, and Miss Sweney, a 
lovely, brilliant and noble girl, daughter of ex- 
Congressman J. H. Sweney, later graduated at the 
state university, married, but lived onlv a few 
months to bless the new home. 

Misses Farr and Pray resigned at the close of 
this year's work both to enter upon post graduate 
work at the Universitv of Chicago, with lofty 
visions of literary careers. Both fell victims a 
little later to the wiles of that arch little archer, 
which demolished one kind of an air castle, only to 
erect a lovelier and better. Their places were 
taken by J. M. P. Smith and William M. Ege. The 
one has become the brilliant successor of President 
Harper in the Universitv of Chicago, as r>rofp«!sor 
of Semitics; the other has for a number of years 
been instructor in an Indian school in South 
Dakota. 

"Rut the -nrincipal must not be permitted to go 
on in the good work, which was taxing every fiber 



286 loira liapti.^t i^cliooh. 

and cord of his heart. In the board's reoor*! 
of November 24, 1893, appears the following: 

The secretary presented and read a petition from 

and other members of the Osage Baptist church, asking 
that the board require the resignation of Col. Abernethy as 
principal and member of the board. Col. Abernethy retired 
from the meeting. After full discussion by members of the 
board, and of the committee from the association, W. L. 
Eaton moved the adoption of the following, which was 
seconded, to-wit: 

Whereas the petition of et al., is merely the ex- 
pression of the opinions of the petitioners, and the same 
contains no charge of any kind against the principal; there- 
fore, Resolved, That in our opinion the same contains no 
basis for action on the part of this board, and we deem it 
for the best Interests of all concerned, that we decline to 
take jurisdiction of the same, and do not think it wise to 
receive the same or make it a part of our records. Carried. 

The enrollment for 18S3-1894 was two hundred 
and twenty. Jannarv 3, 1895, the following record 
appears : 

Col. Abernethy reported verbally that Deacon Hosea 
Lafler of Linn county, Iowa, had recently conveyed to the 
Seminary certian real estate in Florida without condition 
(56 acres, lot 2-S-1-3 2-39) , and an undivided two- thirds 
In a farm of 29 8 acres In Linn county, on condition that 
he and his wife be given a life lease of said farm, and 
presented the conveyances and duplicate leases prepared by 
Hon. J. J. Powell, for said Lafler. He also produced three 
promissory notes given by Mr. Lafler to the Seminary, and 
duly endorsed, amounting to $6 00. Thereupon Mr. Clyde 
moved the adoption of the following resolution, which was 
adopted on roll call, every member present voting aye, 
to-wit: 

Whereas, Hosea Lafler and Rosanna Lafler of Linn county, 
Iowa, have executed a warranty deed to the trustees of the 
Cedar Valley Seminary of an undivided two-thirds interest 
In a farm of two hundred ninety-eight acres of farm land 
in said Linn county, to become and be a part of the per- 
manent endowment of the Seminary, on condition that 
they be given a free life lease of said premises, therefore. 

Resolved. That the board of trustees of the Cedar Valley 
Seminary hereby accept said conveyance and authorize and 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 287 

empower the president, secretary, treasurer, and principal, 
to execute the duplicate life lease prepared and signed by 
said Hosea Lafler for the aforesaid premises, and that 
Principal A. Abernethy be authorized to complete and 
carry out said transaction. Resolved further. That the 
action of Professor Abernethy, in promising an additional 
scholarship to Hosea Lafler, in consideration of his gen- 
erous gifts to the Seminary, be and is hereby approved. 

For 1894-1895 there were two hundred and 
thirty-seven students, with twenty-two in the 
graduating class. In 1895 Mr. Elmer C. Griffith, 
of :Mt. Carroll, 111., a recent graduate of Beloit Col- 
lege, replaced J. M. P. Smith, who resigned to 
pursue graduate work in the University of Chi- 
cago. 

The catalogue for 1896 shows the number of 
students enrolled, during the year, to be two hun- 
dred eighty-nine, the largest number in any one 
year in the history of the school. There were nine- 
teen in the graduating classes. In 1896 ^Ir. Grif- 
fith was invited to the headship of Warren Acad- 
emy, Illinois, and Mr. George A. Moore, an 
alumnus of Denison University, Granville, Ohio, 
was chosen to fill the vacancy. 

The number of students for 1896-1897 was two 
hundred and forty-six. The class of 1897 con- 
tained twenty-six students, as follows: Literary 
courses, Clara L. Abernethy, Herbert G. Bartlett, 
Wilma Benedict, Blanche Brebner, Grace Bush 
(Gardner), Charles V. Clark, Bird Clark (Tib- 
betts), Burritt H. Cook, Jared W. Davis, O. R. O. 
Farel, Marshall A. Fennell, Walter I. Fowle, Ruth 
Gist, Burton C. Hemphill, Helen Hitchcock, A, O. 
Wydell, John J. Meyer, Stella P. Odekirk, James 
Pederson, ^largaret A. Scaramon, Albert W. Sides, 
Olive Woodard (Og-rr). Business course. Herbert 
W. Cutler, Arthur N. Harmon, Max Katz, and 



"jiSS ioini Biiptist ,S'<//oo/6-. 

Hugh ^\. Nichols. This line class had given a 
class entertainment which netted nearly flOO. 
This fund ^^as disposed of as follows: 

We, the members of the class of 1897, do hereby give 
to the trustees of the Cedar Valley Seminary one hundred 
dollars, to be safely invested by them in the establishment 
of a perpetual prize in oratory, in the Seminary, known as 
the "Class of Ninety-Seven Oratorical Prize." 

The l)oard accepted the gift, which has resulted 
in tlie holding evei-y year since, of a spirited con- 
test among the seniors in literary and oratorical 
attainment. 

December 1, 1897, the board executed a contract 
with ]\Ir. and Mrs. (Jeorge Everest, of Nashua, 
Towa, by which tlie,\- transferred certain real es- 
tate and other assets, in consideration of a |300 
annuity. Some land was bought adjoining the 
campus on which a cottage was erected, which 
they still occupy, in 1907. A year later another 
cottage purchased in 1889 on ground added to the 
campus, was removed from the campus to this lot. 

At tlie annual meeting in 1898 the board elected 
^fr. George H. Sawyer and INIiss ElizabethKear- 
wille, the latter to teach German and physics. 
MissKearwille \\'as a graduate of the Iowa state 
normal and of the state university, and a very 
superior teacher. Miss Amelia Lohr, of Osage, 
was at the same time elected instructor in paint- 
ing: Bess E. Heaver, of Mt. Carroll, 111., vocal 
music; and INFiss Alice Sheldon, of Osage, instru- 
mental music. 

The year had been a prosperous one in every 
Way. The last year's work in the school had been 
successful and satisfactory. The class rooms had 
all been well filled, ^^siieciallv in the UT)"per clnsses. 
Of the one hundred fourteen new students enter- 




GEO. M. POTTER, A. M., 
Principal Cedar Valley Seminary. Osage, Iowa. 



Cedar Valley i:ieminary. 289 

ing that year, twenty remained to complete one of 
the full four years' courses, namely: Homer B. 
Anuis, Charles L. Child, Frank S. Clyde, Arthur 
F. Culver, Levan W. Damon, Vinton P. Eastman, 
M. Earl Felt, E. Jane Hawkins, Gertrude Holmes, 
Kate E. and Barbara E. Mark, Max M. Muffley, 
Maud E. Stacy, Grace E. Tupper, Charlotte E. 
Wall, Ethel R. Wliitmore, Alice J. Woodard, 
James G. Wright, Clara K. Wliitlev, and Fred B. 
Wolff. One of the number, Ann is, entered the 
practice of inedicine; two othei's, Eastman and 
('ulver, the ministry; and about Imlf the remain- 
der became successful teachers. During the same 
year, 1897-1898, there were sixteen earlier Semi- 
nary students in the college classes at Des Moines 
College, besides several in the University of Chi- 
cago, and others puisuing higher studies else- 
where. 

It seemed impossible for the principal to carry 
forward tlie work of maintaining the school, to 
^\ hich students were coming in large numbers for 
Instruction, try earnestly as he might, without 
])ersonal hostility manifesting itself from outside 
sources. At the meeting of the Cedar Valley Bap- 
tist Association at Plainfield, in 1898, a hornets' 
nest wa;^ encountered if^suing in some hostile action 
wliich continued to increase in intensity about as 
its results proved abortive, until the board was 
compelled to secure an injunction to end it, by 
providing for tlie election of its own trustees. 

January 1, 1899, Mrs. Caroline R. Waite died at 
her home in Towa Falls. As heretofore stated she 
had made provision eiirht vear« earlier to have her 
pronertv, after all claim« had been met, placed in 
the Seminary endowment, treasure laid up in 



290 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

heaven, to liel]) young people seeking an education 
in future years. 

Death of Prof. Jolin E. Whirry. Principal's ad- 
dress at funeral : 

John Ellsworth Whirry, oldest son of John and Olive 
Whirry, was born in the town of Randolph, Columbia coun- 
ty, Wis., October 3 0, 1863. In April of the next year he 
came with his parents to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and two 
years later to a farm in Jacltsonville township, Chickasaw 
county, which place remained his home for the next twenty 
years. After completing his early education in the public 
schools and in the Breckenridge Institute at Decorah, he 
taught a district school for two years. He then returned 
to Decorah and graduated from the Valder school in pen- 
manship. Having accepted a position as teacher of pen- 
manship in Cedar Valley Seminary he entered upon his 
duties in September, 1887, at the same time taking up 
academic studies in the school. He continued his teaching 
and studies until June 10, 1891, when he graduated from 
the science course, having also taken a full course in busi- 
ness studies. The day following his graduation he was 
united in marriage to Miss Luella Starr, daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. James Starr, of Osage. Two daughters, Essie and 
Eva, were born to them during the life of the mother, 
which ended after a lingering sickness, April 16, 1896. 
After having had charge of the business department of the 
Seminary for two years Prof. Whirry spent part of the 
summer of 1893 at the Northern Illinois Business College, 
at Dixon, receiving his diploma August 10. June 3 0, 1897, 
he married Miss Lulu Starr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
David Starr, of Emmetsburg, Iowa. Two daughters, Olive 
and Irene, were born to them. The four fatherless chil- 
dren are now left in the home which had been made for 
them to be tenderly cared for, as they surely will be, by 
the bereaved wife and mother. Having been intimately 
associated with my brother whose life work is now done, 
I can truly say, after all these years of daily association 
in the school that his work, all of it, was well done. He 
has almost from the first seemed to me like my own younger 
brother, and always ready to take more than his share of 
the labor and burdens to be borne, whatever their nature 
might be. It seems to me now, when I look back through 
these thirteen years, during which we have counseled 
together almost daily, that the whole of his earnest, 
energetic, conscientious, and open life was devoted to his 
Tvprk of teaching and helping the hundreds of young men 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 291 

and women, who came every year under his kindly influ- 
ence and excellent instruction. 

He left his place in the school room only Friday after- 
noon, March 2, less than six days before his death from 
lobar pneumonia. We shall all miss him and his kindly 
face and greeting, as we return to our places in the morn- 
ing, but one of that number will miss him more than any 
other. His work and his example was an inspiration to all 
who knew him as a teacher, but to one even more because 
of the longer and closer personal relations. Prof. Whirry 
was a born teacher. From the first he seems to have 
studied assiduously, that he might teach intelligently. 
Whenever he entered the school room his mind was already 
aglow with his subject, and with the purpose of making it 
plain and clear to his classes, sometimes numbering forty 
to fifty students. His teaching covered quite a wide range 
of subjects, and he seemed equally happy and well pre- 
pared in any of them. The aggregate number of students 
who came under his instruction was very large, and he 
seemed to know them all well, and even years afterwards 
remembered them with liveliest interest. His home near 
the campus was always open to them, day or night, for 
any help he could give them. He was a man of unusual 
executive ability. The additions and Improvements made 
In his department were nearly all of his own suggestion. 
It was his constant study to make It better, both in equip- 
ment and work. The collection and disbursement of the 
school funds were quite largely in his hands, and all his 
accounts were kept with scrupulous accuracy. His busi- 
ness judgment was good and always relied on by his asso- 
ciates. He could be safely trusted to do any kind of busi- 
ness connected with the school. He would have been 
equally successful as a man of business. 

Tt is said, I think of but three persons in the Bible: 'He 
was a good man', and it can be said of Prof. Whirry: 'He 
was a good man'. The whole of his mature life seems to 
have been full of earnest devotion to duty as he saw it. 
He became an active Christian and united with the Baptist 
church during the second year of his connection with- the 
Seminary. From that time his personal interest in his 
students and all his associates was a marked feature of his 
life. Duty and service were the actuating motives of his 
life and the sources of his personal power. If he had any 
personal ambitions other than these, it was never apparent. 

His was a short but complete life, ending March 8, 1900, 
when but 3 6 years, 4 months, and 8 days old. It would 
be called as we usually count it a short life, but it was a 
life filled full of good deeds. He has finished his life and 
gone early to rest, but the benediction of that short life will 



292 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

remain a r-herished memory in many and many a future 
home. 

We mourn his loss as that of a brother, and yet he would 
not have it so. His death, like his life, points us to the 
better way. This radiant life Is left as a heritage to us 
all who knew his Inner life. 

How beautiful it is for a man to die 
Upon the walls of service; to be called 
Like a watch-worn and weary sentinel 
To put his armor off and rest in heaven. 

]\far('h 18, 1899, tlie board held an adjourned 
meeting; at which the following; record was made : 

Col. Abernethy presented the matter of a proposed deed 
by Rev. P. S. Whitman, of Georgia, of his remaining real 
estate to the board, on the condition that he be secured an 
annuity of $500 a year for three years, and $250 a year 
thereafter during his life. Referred to executive committee 
with power and that Col. Abernethy attend to the matter 
personally at the earliest possible date. 

On the 27th the executive committee made a 
record as follows, which was afterwards approved 
by the board: 

Moved and carried unanimously that the officers of the 
board be authorized and empowered to execute to Rev. 
P. S. Whitman, of Georgia, the bond of the board, In the 
penal sum of $5,000 in consideration of the conveyance by 
said Whitman to the board of real estate substantially as 
stnted by him in a recent letter to Col. Abernethy; the 
condition for said bond to be the performance on the part 
of the board of a written contract to be made by Col. Aber- 
nethy for the board, providing for the payment by the 
board to said Whitman of an annuity during his life of 
$500 a year for three years, and the publication of certain 
books ordered by said Whitman; and Col. Abernethy was 
expressly authorized to enter into a contract as herein 
stated with said Whitman if the value of the real estate to 
be conveyed to the board seemed to make such contract an 
advisable one for the board. 

During the year 1898-1899 there were two hun- 
dred and fifty students, with a graduating; class of 
thirty-two, twenty-six of the number from the four 
years' courses. One of the number, Burnett J. 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 293 

Lapliam, the olde&t son of Prof, aud Mrs J. A. 
Lapliam, a young man of ability, character, and 
unusual promise, completed his course in poor 
health, and succumbed to disease a few months 
later. 

May 22, a telegram came from Toccoa, Ga., an- 
nouncing the death of Dr. Whitman during the 
night. An hour later the principal was on his 
way to try to reach Toccoa for the funeral. On 
his arrival he found the will locked in its proper 
place. Having been named executor I promptly 
tiled the will and secured its temporary probate, 
made arrangements for the disposition of the 
household effects to relatives of the late Mrs. Whit- 
man, and returned to Usage soon after commence 
ment. 

During my absence in the south one member of 
the faculty decided that the chapel v/ith its new 
steel ceiling, and its new folding chairs, ought to 
have a new piano for the chapel choir. After an 
appeal before the board, the members voted to sub- 
scribe personall}' for the chapel piano. The senior 
class contributed |80 toward the project, and it 
was not long before a fine new upright piano 
graced the platform of the chapel. It shows how 
equipment and improvement may often be added 
by a wide aAvake teacher. May this beautiful and 
useful instrument long grace the chapel platform, 
a tribute to the forethought and energy of one 
teacher, Miss Kearwille, later Mrs. ^Nioore. 

June 12 the board finally voted for the first time 
in its history, to assume the responsibility for tho 
management <^f the scliool, my predecessor and I, 
having both been required up to this time, to as- 
sume the financial responsibility for all expenses, 
including teachers' salaries. Annual current ex- 



294 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

peQvse reports, made in detail, had been submitted 
for the last fourteen years. For the last two or 
three years, these reports had shown that the 
school could be maintained without debt, and still 
permit a maximum salary of |1,200 to the prin- 
cipal. It was a consummation long devoutly 
wished for. 

At an adjourned meeting the board placed on 
record the following beautiful tribute to the life 
of Dr. Whitman : 

Whereas, Rev. P. S. Whitman, D. D., of Toccoa, Ga., has 
been recently called to his reward, after a long life of 
Christian activity and usefulness, and, Whereas, Among his 
many good works Dr. Whitman gave largely and repeatedly 
of his means to equip and endow the Cedar Valley Sem- 
inary, and in this manner proved his abiding faith In 
Christian education, and perpetuated his influence over 
young men and women. 

Therefore, Resolved, By the board of trustees of the 
Cedar Valley Seminary that we express again our profound 
gratitude for the substantial gifts made by Dr. Whitman to 
the Seminary, and for the encouragement and help they 
have given us in the important duty of providing better 
moral and educational advantages for the young people of 
our land. 

The enrollment this year was not quite equal to 
the more recent years though it reached two hun- 
dred and forty-one, with a graduating class of six- 
teen. The advanced classes Avere about as full as 
ever and the loss for this and the two following 
years was in the less advanced classes. Prof. 
Whirry had been a tower of strength to the school, 
and liis work and unselfish life tended always to 
bring and liold students. All of his work was of 
a high order of excellence, and his place could not 
be filled. I was necessarily absent in Georgia three 
times during the year for considerable periods, be- 
fore the final ])robate of the will was secured. Tlie 
school was receiving a shameful amount of 



Cedar Valley E^eminary. 295 

adverse criticism and advertising. Ou my last 
trip for the summer |1,900 wortli of property was 
sold. 

Before the school opeued in September, Edward 
A. Graves and R. C. King were elected, taking the 
places so long filled by Profs. Lapham and Whirry, 
the one for fourteen years, the other for thirteen. 

Efforts had been made from time to time to try 
and settle the controversy, which had been injected 
into the meetings of the Cedar Valley Baptist As- 
sociation to the great detriment of both the associ- 
ation and the school. Finally February 18, 1901, 
tlie folloAving was adopted at a meeting of the 
board of trustees : 

Col. Abernethy moved the adoption of the following 
resolution, which on motion was seconded by Mr. Clyde, 
to-wit: 

Resolved, That this board propose the following basis 
of settlement of the pending suit with the association: 

1. The association concurs in the amendment of the 
articles of incorporation empowering the board of trustees 
of Cedar Valley Seminary to elect its own members. 

2. The Seminary shall always remain under the control 
of the Baptists. The principal and not less than three- 
fifths of the whole number of trustees, and also not less 
than three-fifths of the regular teachers, shall always be 
members in good standing of the regular Baptist church. 

3. The ownership and title of the Seminary property 
shall continue to be held by the board of trustees. 

4. The defense in the present suit shall be withdrawn, 
and the Seminary board will pay all taxable costs. 

5. The association shall annually appoint a committee 
to visit the Seminary, examine into its condition, work and 
needs, and make a report thereof with their recommenda- 
tions to the association. That a certified copy of this 
resolution be sent to the clerk of the association. 

This proposition was promi>tly and unanimously 
accepted by the association and the old time 
liarmonious relations again restored. The on^ 
source of weakness was eliminated, that had per- 



?96 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

mitted the repetition of etlbrts to have the trustees 
and other officerss ol" the school removed, which 
could never get a hearing in Osage where their 
work was so well known and appreciated. 

The enrollment for 1900-1901 was two hundred 
and twenty-five, the graduating class numbering 
nineteen. 

For the year 1901-1902, there were one hundred 
ninety-eight students with a graduating class of 
twenty-two, four of the number from the business 
department. Besides these large graduating 
classes the other upper classes were well repre- 
sented; there were twenty-five juniors, twenty-two 
second year, and forty-three first year students. 

With the close of this year's Avork and the com- 
pletion of my twenty-one years as principal, my 
resignation was presented June 17, 1902, in ac- 
cordance Avith notice given tAvo years earlier. Upon 
its acceptance the board appointed as committee 
to draft suitable resolutions, the three members 
Avho liad served longest in that capacity: Col. J. 
H. SAveney, twenty-six years; E. S. Fonda, A^ce 
president, tAvent^^-two years, and Treasurer J. I. 
Sweney, twenty-one years, and adopted the fol- 
lowing : 

On motion Col. Abernethy was requested to perform the 
duties of principal until such time as the board may make 
other arrangements to fill the place. 

Later the folloAving resolutions Avere adopted 
and spread upon the records : 

AVhereas, after a service of twenty-one years as principal 
of the Cedar Valley Seminary, by reason of increasing 
years and impaired health Col. Abernethy has placed his 
resignation in our hands, therefore, 

Be it resolved by the board of trustees of the Cedar Val- 
ley Seminary, That in accepting his resignation we express 
our appreciation of his high character as a citizen and 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 297 

eminence as an educator; That through all the years of 
his association with us and ttie Seminary he has, with un- 
faltering devotion labored for the cause of Christian educa- 
tion, for the moulding of youths into noble manhood and 
womanhood; That falsing the principalship as he did when 
the Seminary v/as bereft by the death of its revered and 
beloved founder, Prof. A. Bush, in the stress of financial 
depression and discouragement, with great courage, born 
of zeal for a noble purpose, with unusual ability and 
energy, iie contributed very largely in advancing and more 
firmly establishing the permanent usefulness of the Sem- 
inary; That in his well earned retirement from active 
labor as an educator, he carries our friendship and high 
regard; That these resolutions be spread upon our records, 
a copy be presented to Col. Abernethy and to the local 
press for publication. 

Prof. George A. Moore, who had entered the 
faculty iu 189G, wan elected acting principal. Prof. 
Graves, after t\\o years of excellent work, lost his 
health, and Mr. Irving Bundy was asived to take 
his place. A few months later Mr. Graves sub- 
mitted to an operation for tuberculosis, in the hos- 
pital at Hampton, from which he did not recover. 

The normal methods by which institutions of 
learning are founded and built up are well illus- 
trated iu the recent history of the Seminary. 

In 1891 when the first real eifort y\'as begun for 
endowment, the assets of the school had been 
slowl}' accumulating for ten ^ears. About |6,000 
had been gathered for endowment; two frame 
school buildings had been added at a cost of 
|10,000; libraries and apparatus had steadily in- 
creased; the instructional force kept up to the 
needs of the school; and the most important as- 
sets — large number of students — were regularly 
filling e\ery class room; the enrollment for tlie 
last 3'ear reaching two hundred and forty-one. 

At the end of another ten years, the treasurer's 
annual report showed the following assets : 



298 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

CabU and invested endowments $34,400.54 

Secured land sale contracts 8,870.00 



Total $43,270.54 

The board held also deeds to real estate to the 
yalue of more than |i5,000, part of it subject tem- 
porarily, to life lease hold of douors; this iu addi- 
tion to the school plant proper, including the 
school buildings and grounds, libraries, apparatus, 
etc. The annual income was equal to the annual 
expenditure, and though still small, had steadily 
increased for a decade, while large classes were 
being graduated every year. 

It is worthy of note, also, that the above named 
last decade period included the four or five years 
following the general financial revulsion and 
depression of 1893-1894. 

The regretable feature in all our Iowa Baptist 
school history, is that there have been so few in- 
stances of such normal growth and expansion iu 
a half century. 

The Seminary had other assets also of real 
value. The Tuesday evening prayer meeting, es- 
tablished in the dim distance, very near the begin- 
ning, forty years ago, was always well attended, 
and became a potent factor iu character building. 
Out of it grew the Students' Christian Association 
which had charge of these meetings, also of the 
annual observance of the day of prayer for colleges, 
and other religious exercises. 

The courses in New Testament history and 
Christian evidences were eagerly sought and earn 
estly pursued in the senior year's curriculum. 

The Lafler, Livingston, and Klakeslee free 
scholarships, and the Dailey, Krush, and other an- 
nual i^rizes established, were, each, in its way, 
helpful and inspiring. 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 299 

Prof. Moore remained at the head of the school 
one year and resigned to enter Columbia Univer- 
sity, New York City, where he remained one year, 
and has since been teaching in the Minneapolis 
high school. He was a popular teacher, and all 
his work was of a most thorough character. 

In the year, 1903, there were eighteen graduates, 
four of them from the business course. 

Rev. Thomas W. Todd, of Nora Springs, Iowa, 
was elected principal February 23, 1903, and as- 
sumed charge at the beginning of the spring term. 
With the close of the school year there was a gen- 
eral change in the instructional force. All those 
retiring had done most excellent service for a 
series of years; Mr. Moore, seven years; Mrs. 
Moore and Miss Lohr each five; Miss Bacon, four: 
and Mr. King, three. Their places were filled by 
Mr. Irving Bundy, for German, Greek, and Latin; 
Miss Alice Fullerton, mathematics and English; 
William A. Longley, history and normal ; J. G. 
Osborne, commercial work; and Miss Ida M. Strike, 
shorthand. 

The following November the school lost by death 
another most valuable and faithful trustee and of- 
ficer. At a subsequent meeting the board placed 
the following on its records: 

The board of trustees of Cedar Valley Seminary has 
sustained a great loss in the death of Deacon Josiah Pope, 
November 2 8, 19 03. He was a man of wide experience, 
lofty ideals, and sound practical wisdom, and was always 
profoundly interested in all matters pertaining to Christian 
education in general, and the Cedar Valley Seminary in 
particular. He served with zeal and faithfulness on the 
board and its committees. 

Two new teachers were added in 1901, Mr. H. 
R, Hick and Miss Emma Parsons to replace others 
withdrawing. 



'001 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

Earlj in 1905 Principal Todd resigned to accept 
a position in the state normal school, and Prin- 
cipal George M. Potter of the academy of Tabor 
College, was elected in his place, to enter upon his 
work July 1. 

At the annual meeting in June two of the older 
members of the board, Messrs. E. S. Fonda and 
W. L. Eaton, declined re-election and insisted on 
being relieved from further service; Mr. Fonda 
having served with a short interruption since 1882, 
and Mr. Eaton continuously since 1884. And both 
had given invaluable service for these many years. 

During this year two additions were made to 
the endowment fund, one of $700 by the will of 
the late Mr. William Hughes, of Davenport, who 
had previously contributed to the 1892 endow- 
ment; the other of |1,000 for a railroad right of 
way across the Lafler farm near Cedar Rapids, 
given in 1895 with life lease reserve. Mr. Lafier 
had also given most liberally during his life time 
to the endowment at various times. 

May 19, 1906, the board was reluctantly con- 
strained to accept the resignation of Col. J. H. 
Sweney, presented on account of ill health, after 
a most honorable and useful service of almost 
thirty vears. 

For the years 1902-1903 and 1903-1904 no lists 
of students were published. For the years 1904- 
1905 and 1905-1906, the number of students en- 
rolled was respectively, one hundred and tliirty- 
nine and one hundred forty-nine. 

The faculty for the year 1906-1907 was as fol- 
lows: 

George M. Potter, principal; mathematics. 
M. Alice Fullerton, normal and English. 
Harry E. Cockrell, commercial branches. 
Harry G. Burns, science. 



Cedar Valley tSeminary. 'dbi 

L. Ethelyn Gibson, Latin and Greek. 

Hermaii F. Harris, history and modern languages. 

Martha B. Reynolds, instrumental music. 

Marie G. Cutler, vocal music. 

Harriet V. Woodard, violin. 

Edith G. Pattengill, art. 

Any history of the Seminary would be incom- 
plete without some mention of one of its oldest 
and best friends, Dr. P. S. Whitman, who gave to 
the school at different times largely the accumula- 
tions of a lifetime; the proceeds of which have ex- 
ceeded $25,000. It seems fitting to republish the 
following sketch, by the writer, from the Standard 
of August 11, 1900: 

Rev. P. S. Whitman, O. D, 

The recent death of Dr. P. S. Whitman at the age of 
eighty-five years, ends the useful life of a good man who 
was Icnown and loved by a wide circle of friends, east and 
west, north and south. Near a third of his long life was 
spent each in the east, the north, and the south, and his 
personality was so strong and genial that friendships once 
formed were never broken nor forgotten. 

Though he came to his grave in a full age he seems 
always to have regarded his life as a monument of God's 
infinite goodness and love and watchful care. During the 
whole of his life his abiding faith increased to the last 
hour. During his last day, as he was about the home 
among friends, he repeated many times to those present 
that he was "in sweet peace," and on the last evening stop- 
ped In the midst of the supper to repeat his thank offering 
for God's wonderful mercy and kindness to him through all 
his long life. 

Peleg Spencer Whitman v/as born at Fairfield, Vt., April 
27, 1815, and died at Elberton, Ga., May 22, 1900, at the 
advanced age of eighty-five years and twenty-five clays. His 
father's name was Jacob Whitman, his mother's Sarah 
Spencer. He was too frail in early life to attend school. 
Converted at the age of twelve, he soon after received an 
Injury that made him a cripple during the rest of his early 
boyhood. 

In 1829 he was permitted to enter the Hamilton Literary 
and Theological Institution, now Colgate University, with 
his older brother. Royal, though still walking on rrutoheM. 
and remained in this school till the death of his brother in 



302 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

183 2. After teaching a part of the time for several years 
at Stockton, N. Y., and Warren, R. I., he entered Brown 
University in 1836, and remained nearly three years, when 
he was compelled to give up his studies by failing health. 
In 183 9 he went south and taught school in Putnam county, 
Ga., and later entered Mercer University, graduating from 
its first class in 1841. He was later given the degree of 
A. M. from Brown University. 

December 1, 1841, Mr. Whitman married Miss Caroline 
Crawford Crane at her home in Wilkes county, Ga. In the 
same year he was licensed to preach by the Union Hill 
church of Georgia. After teaching a while in the south 
Mr. Whitman decided to return to New England, and 
preached for one year at a small church at West Bridge- 
water, Mass., and in 1846 became pastor at Bolton, where 
he was ordained. At the end of three summers spent ia 
Massachusetts, they found the climate of New England too 
severe for Mrs. Whitman, and returned to the south. In 
1847 Mr. and Mrs. Whitman were placed in charge of the 
Girls' Academy at Monroe, Walton county, Ga., and re- 
mained two years, going from there to take charge of the 
Penfield Female Academy, where they remained three 
years, Mrs. Whitman teaching music and French. 

In 1852 they decided to remove to northern Illinois, in 
the hope of improving Mrs. Whitman's health, and traveled 
the whole distance with horse and buggy, in the months 
of October and November, locating at Belvidere, 111., where 
Mr. and Mrs. Whitman taught a private school part of the 
time, he preaching also as he was able. Among their 
pupils in their northern home were many whose lives have 
been given, in stations high and low, to faithful service of 
the Master, including even the Misses Prances E. and Mary 
Wlllard, who had entered the Whitman home for their first 
absence from their own home. Miss Willard in all the sub- 
sequent years of her busy life kept up the friendship 
formed here, wrote them many loving letters and once, 
near a half century afterward, visited them in their Toccoa 
home. After a residence here for some years they re- 
turned again to the south, but found themselves wholly out 
of sympathy with the secession sentiment, and found it 
advisable to make a hasty and perilous trip north through 
the confederate lines. 

In 1864-1866 Mr. Whitman was principal of the Addi- 
son Collegiate Institute at West Irving, Tama county, Iowa, 
also pastor of the West Irving Baptist church. In 1866- 
1867 he served as pastor of the church at Chariton, Iowa, 
from which place he niovcd to Lime Springs. Town, and 
served as p.9stov of its church for several year=?. Mr. and 
Mr3. Whitman later taught a part of one year, 1870-1871, 



Cedar Valley l^eminary. 303 

In Des Moines College, and twenty-flve years later he re- 
ceived the degree of D. D. from this institution. 

In 1874 they found it necessary to return again to the 
south, locating at Toccoa, in the northeastern part of 
Georgia, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, he serv- 
ing the Baptist church there for the space of three years. 
They built them a commodious home in a sheltered grove 
beside a beautiful rivulet, where they resided during the 
remainder of their lives, Mrs. Whitman preceding her hus- 
band by about three years. 

They were both persons of sympathetic nature, and of 
))eautiful Christian character and life. They loved to teach, 
and he loved to preach, but neither of them were strong 
enough for any sustained or continued public service. He 
said to the writer once in great fervor of disappointment: 
"It seems to me that we spent the whole of our fifty-five 
years together in taking care of each other." 

Mr. Whitman was a nineteenth century Barnabas, a good 
man and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. He lived a 
simple life of earnest faith, ever extending the helping hand 
to somebody. Though giving comparatively little attention 
to business, he accumulated by frugality considerable prop- 
erty and gave it all away during his lifetime to worthy 
persons and worthy purposes, mostly for endowment of 
Baptist schools. His sympathies were as broad as humanity 
and as noble as Christianity. 

He was a man of tireless energy. It was his habit to 
work incessantly. Whatever work he undertook he went 
at with the vigor of a giant until his strength was ex- 
hausted. He was teacher, preacher, and business manager 
combined till near the age of sixty-five, when his declining 
strength limited his energies chiefly to study and writing. 

He was an original thinker of a marked character, and 
always a close and critical student of the Bible. His 
opinions were formed from careful study of the text itself, 
and he had little respect for the loose and shallow methods 
of modern expositorial writing. His "Scripture Worthies 
Viewed in a New Light" is a vigorous protest against false 
methods of exposition. The original name which he gave 
to his little book, "Defense of Scripture Worthies Against 
the Attacks of Christian Expositors," expresses more clearly 
the real character of the work and shows the purpose of 
much of his writing. He left considerable manuscript more 
or less prepared for publication, chiefly along similar lines 
of investigation to the one published. To this kind of 
work his last years were largely devoted. He v/as a con- 
stant reader of the religious press, and a regular contributor 
to the religious papers, especially of the south, where hia 
home was. 



304 luiva Baplifil kicliuoU, 

The personal friendships he formed everywhere through 
his long life were of the closest and most enduring char- 
acter. The aim and purpose of his life was to be useful 
and do good. By his unselfish and noble life, and especially 
by his religious writings it can be truly said of Dr. Whit- 
man that his works do follow him. 

One other notable name sui'ely deserves appre- 
ciative mention in any history of Iowa Baptist 
edncation. Inadvertantly omitted in its proper 
ph'j-e in the cliapter on Des ]Moines College, it may 
not inappropriate]}' be inserted here. 

Mr. J. V. Hinchman, who had in 1889, by pledg- 
ing and later p-aying liis |25,000, made it possible 
for the college to cancel its debts and secure its 
first |100,000 for endowment, continued to show 
deep interest in the work and growth of the school 
until the time of his death, which occurred October 

4, 1902, in his seventy-second year. The follow- 
ing year the college received an additional 128,000 
from the estate of this good man, wlio by industry 
and tlirift had accumulated a fortune, and then 
after making ample provision for his widow, had 
dedicated it all to the service of humanity, obey- 
ing literally the injunction : Lay not u}> for your- 
selves treasures upon earth. But lay up for your- 
selves treasures in heaven. 

Trustees Cedar Valley Seminary. 

Rev. John Pulton - - - - - 1864-1867 

Rev. A. G. Eberhart - - - - 1864-1867 

Rev. William Ross ----- 1864-1867 

Rev. H. H. Burrlngton - - - . 1864-1872 

5. B. Chase, M.D. 1864-1891 

A. H. Moore, M.D. 1864-1871 

O. P. Harwood 1864-1868 

Rev. T. P. Thickstun _ . - . 1866-1869 

Rev. C. T. Tucker 1866-1876 

Rev. C. L. Clausen 1867-1872 

W. W. Blpckman, M.D. . . - - 1867-1875 

Peter Morse ------ 1867-1875 

Rev. Asa MarBh 1868-1871 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 305 

Hon. N. C. Deering 1869-1887 

Rev. A. Miner 1870-1872 

Frank C. Rice 1870-1874 

Judge Arad Hitclicock 1870-1876 

Josephi Kelly ------ 1871-1880 

Jacob H. Brush ------ 1872-1894 

E. G. Rice - 1872-1876 

Rev. W. Whitney 1874-1876 

G. H. Rice - - - - - - 1874-1876 

Hon. D. W. Poindexter - - - 1876-1870 

Hon. Cyrus Foreman - - - - 1877-1887 

Albert Bush ------ 1877-1892 

Hon. J. H. Sweney ----- 1877-1906 

Rev. Robert Leslie - - - - - 1878-1881 

Hon. H. F. Tucker 1878-1881 

G. D. Pattengill 1878-1887 

Rev. O. T. Conger 1881-1884 

E. S. Fonda ------ 1881-1905 

J. 1. Sweney 1882- 

J. R. James ------ 1883-1892 

A. J. Burtch 1883-1899 

E. S. Hovey 1884-1887 

J. S. Wheeler 1884-1896 

F. Coddington 1884-1890 

W. L. Eaton ------ 1884-1905 

J. A. Smith - 1887-1893 

J. B. Kingsbury ----- 1888-1891 

J. F. Clyde ------- 1888- 

Alonzo Abernethy ----- 1888- 

Samuel Strows - - -1889-1891 

Charles N. Bliss 1891-1902 

W. W. Blackman, M.D. . . - - 1892-1893 

J. W. Annis - 1891- 

Charles S. Chase, M.D. - - - - 1891- 

Edwin L. Sawyer ----- 1892- 

S. E. Wilcox - 1893-1899 

A. M. Walker 1895- 

O. P. Woodard 1896- 

F. E. James 1896- 

R. R. Watklns ----- 1896-1899 

Josiah Pope 1899-1903 

Avery Brush - - - - - - 1901- 

N. J. Berger - 19 02- 

F. W. Parsons 1904-1906 

Karl J. Johnson 1905- 

Herbert L. Stoughton . - - - 1905- 

Clark E. Gardner 1906- 

S. W. Hill - 1906- 



306 Iowa baptist Schools. 

Seminary Alumni. 

1871. 

Dr. Charles S. Chase, Iowa City. 

Dr. Frank W. Chase, Des Moines. 

Judge J. F. Clyde, Osage. 

Dr. A. T. Conley, Cannon Falls, Minn. 

* Peter A. Flaten. 

Rev. Robert D. Frost, Bowdoinham Heights, Me. 

*William F. Lohr. 

Ferdinand Miller, Park Rapids, Minn. 

Emma Newell Ure, Washington, D. C. 

Mary Sweney Scammon, Northwood. 

1872. 

Cynthia Addington Everts, North Muskegon, Mich, 

A. G. Dunham, Mason City. 

Hon. W. L. Eaton, Osage. 

*Fred Flint. 

*Rev. P. A. Marsh. 

Frank Scammon, Northwood. 

Alonzo Warden, Topeka, Kan. 

Honorary, 1872. 

John Q. Adams, Chicago, 111. 

Cartegena Allen Bryson, lov/a Falls. 

*Carrie Bailey Redfearn. 

Rev. A. C. Blackman, Sac City. 

Norman A. Bowers. 

*Anna Chase Rood. 

Ada Chase Whitley, Osage. 

Arthur W. Clyde, Ashley. N. D. 

*Louise Clyde Marsh. 

*Hattie Hastings Lyle. 

Clarinda Hitchcock Hitchcock, Osage. 

Eugene Huntington, Webster, S. D. 

Maria Knight Jenkins. 

Leonides L. Lush. 

E. E. Lyle, Wahoo, Neb. 

Cora Moore Ross, Audubon. 

Libbie Murray Wardall. 

Frank D. Pease. 

Anna Richardson Thompson, Spokane, Wash. 

Arthur L. Smith. 

*Augustus C. Tupper. 

Libbie Tupper Brown, Osage. 

*Henry C. Van Leuven. 

Melvin H. White, Spokane, Wash. 

*Dr. John L. Whitley. 



Cedar V allay iScininary. 307 

1873. 
♦Prof. D. F. Call. 

Warren H. Knoulton, New York City. 
Hattie Morse Leonard, Rochester, Minn. 
Judge Ira Town, Tacoma, Wash. 

1874. 

Abbie Bush Button, Sioux Falls, S. D. 

C. E. Budlong. 

Edwin C. Keeler, Lake Mills. 

Halver Steinerson Kravik, Marietta, Minn. 

1875. 

Rev. Albert R. Button, Sioux Falls, S. D. 

Prof. Leona A. Call, Iowa City. 

O. W. Cummings, Wallula, Wash. 

Prof. Frank L. Hamblin, Lewisburg, Pa. 

Emma Lower Farnham, Charles City. 

*Alice Moore Garey. 

Rev. W. W. Pratt, Philadelphia, Pa. 

1876. 

Mamie Chase Cutler, Osage. 

George A. Knowlton, San Diego, Cal. 

Dr. O. O. Sawyer, Dell Rapids, S. D. 

1877. 

H. M. Bushnell, Lincoln, Neb. 

Dr. J. C. Caldwell, Africa. 

Charles W. Cutler, Park Rapids, Minn. 

Gilbert M. Fay, Denver, Col. 

Dr. Sanford E. Goodman, Rhodes. 

N. D. Jackson, Neligh, Neb. 

Kate Poindexter Vosburg, Binghampton, N. Y. 

Delia O. Stacy, Osage. 

1878. 
* Fannie Cobb. 
Julia E. Coon, Osage. 
H. H. Dane, Washington, D. C. 
Leni L. Gardner, Sioux City. 
J. F. Leonard, Winterset. 
Hon. C. P. Reeves, Glenwood, Minn. 
Dr. F. E. Whitlev, Webster City. 

1879. 
Rev. A. B. Coats, Hartford, Conn. 
Rosa Clason Bisbee, Osage. 
Carrie M. Davis, South Kirtland. Ohio. 
F. E. Owen, Spokane, Wash. 
Ella Owen Lamberton, Portland, Ore. 
Dr. C. F. Sweney, St. Paul, Minn. 



^08 Iowa Baptist Schools, 

1880. 

Charles L. Ammon, Estherville. 
Walter W. Byington, Chadron, Neb. 
*Flora Bush Kingsbury. 
Cora Call Whitley, Webster City. 

1881. 
Albert Babcock. 
♦Walter Blakeslee. 

E. M. Briggs, Minneapolis, Minn. 
Orlando Bush, Armour, S. D. 
John A. Cutler, Osage. 

Mabel Dailey Reeves, Glenwood, Minn. 
Lina Evans Goodall, Osage. 
Hamlin Garland, New York City. 
Maud Hawley Marsh, Osage. 
• Myrtle Hess, Ft. Worth, Tex. 
*Anna Kelly, Tannyhlll. 
Amelia Lohr, Osage. 
Albert Moore, Hampton. 
Lee J. Moss, West Superior, Wis. 

1882. 

Addie Brown Sheffer, Red Oak. 
Franz E. Rundborg, Chicago, 111. 

1883 

F. W. Lohr, Sioux City. 

S. Alta Page, Minneapolis, Minn. 
Stella J. Rice, Lincoln, Neb. 
Dr. Charles C. Wiggins, Osage. 

1884. 

Mary Atherton Long, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Rev. D. L Coon, Waverly. 

George E. Haskell, Denver, Colo. 

Jennie M. Kidney, Nora Springs. 

Frank T. King, Omaha, Neb. 

Dr. F. W. Lee, Riceville. 

Dr. W. S. Pitts, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Clara Schmedes Williams, Omaha, Neb. 

Hon. Tim D. Sheehan, St. Paul, Minn. 

*Lizzie Sweet Sime. 

Lloyd Tibbetts, Osage. 

Capt. George P. White, Leavenworth, Kan. 

*W. C. Wilkin. 

1885. 

Rev. L. F. Abernethy, Frederick, Kan. 

T. A. Alexander, St. Paul, Minn. 

Leva Bascombe Bywater, Spokane, Wash. 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 309 



Ed L. Clark, New York City. 
Nellie Kidney Palmer, Rolfe. 
Kate M. Otto, St. Paul, T.ilnn. 
Trilla Pratt Hulbert, New Hartford. 
Belle Sweney Eden, Chicago, 111. 
William P. Wright, Osage. 

1886. 
♦Frank J. Avery. 

Dr. George S. Coon, Louisville, Ky. 
C. F. Hambrecht, St. Ansgar. 
Alfred C. Page, Austin, Minn. 
Rev. F. B. Pelton, Shellsburg. 
Park C. Pratt, Modesto, Cal. 
Dr. Irene Smedley, Toledo. 

1887. 

*Mabel Abernethy Gillen. 
E. Clark Barton, Vermilion, S. D. 
Flora Bush Morse, Spokane, Wash. 
Eva Kelly Tannyhill, Los Angeles, Cal. 
Clarence A. Palmer, St. Paul, Minn. 
S. R. lire, Riceville. 

1888. 

Minnie Montgomery Logan, Independence. 
Rev. Daniel Reagan, Eldon. 
John H. Vaughn, West Superior, Wis. 
Rev. Arthur L. Weatherly, Westerly, R. I. 
Afton S. Wright, Osage. 

1889. 

Hinkley G. Atwood, Duluth, Minn. 
W. H. Coulthurst, Santa Rosa, Cal. 
Dr. W. F. Hunt, Davenport. 
Alice Jewell, Mason City. 
*Ideline Melliuger Nakashian. 
*Mary Pearson Law. 
William J. Starr, Osage. 

1890. 

C. Howard Babcock, Sisseton, S. D. 

Galen H. Browne, Osage. 

William L. Fitkin, Garner. 

Rev. Hugh A. Heath, Wakefield, Mass. 

Alice P. Kirkland Bemis, Austin, Minn. 

Rev. Clarence H. Lockwood, Glendale, Cal. 

Earl M. Merritt, Grundy Center. 

Zora Sherman, Wilder, Kan. 

Eugene S. Simons, Hamburg. 

N. Eda Ward Patrick, Rockford, 111. 



310 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

1891. 

Maud E. Cunningham, Chicago, 111. 
Albert E. Huesselmann, Osage. 
Ethel Lovejoy Wilson, Osage. 
Alice Maud McKinley, Chicago, 111. 
*Prof. John E. Whirry. 
George E. Whitcomb, Northwood. 

1892. 

Herbert A. Abernethy, St. Paul, Minn. 
Rev. Rolla E. Brown, Bvanston, Wyo. 
Kev. Archie W. Call, Vinton. 
Clinton B. Conley, LeSueur, Minn. 
Ole Hallingby, Calumet, Mich. 
Emery C. Leach, Cedar Rapids. 
Fred D. Nichols, Chicago, 111. 
Clara Olson Herwig, New Hampton. 
Grace Smith Scofield, Osage. 
R. Hart Walker, Seattle, Wash. 
Dr. Frank B. Whitmore.. China. 

1893. 
Amy Beebe, Kimball, S. D. 
Edith Cobb Olsun, Northheld, Minn. 
Lindsay A. Grimes, West Union. 
Karl J. Johnson, Osage. 
Cora H. Johnson, Osage. 
Mattie L. Odekirk Bowen, Centerville. 
George H. Sawyer, Osage. 
Ray D. Smith, Brewster, Minn. 

1894. 

Kittie Banoii Coon. V/aveiiy. 

Arnold E. Brown, Osage. 

Mabel Muffley Alexander, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Herbert L. Rtoughton, Osage. 

Business Department: 
Mabel Brebner Dickinson, Ukiah, Cal. 
Lennie L. Bright, Algona. 
George F. Siefjediers, Manly. 

1895. 

Daisy B. Clark, Chicago, 111. 

H. Eastman Colby, Waterloo. 

Ward Fallgatter, Canistata, S. D. 

Lewis E. Gerbig, Canada. 

Una M. Grettenberg, Minneapolis, Minn. 

Augusta E. Hitchcock, Osage. 

Tom Hudson, Tacoma, Wash. 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 311 



Mary Johnson Hudson, Tacoma, Wash. 

William A. North, Spokane, Wash. 

Robert A. Powers, Osage. 

Sumner M. Samson, Chicago, 111. 

Rose E. Smalley, Las Vegas, New Mexico. 

Clara Smalley Starr, Osage. 

Helen M. White, Chicago, 111. 

Business Department: 

Dr. G. Elbert Genung, Osage. 
Otto R. Greene, Osage. 
William H. Moody, Osage. 
James R. Sims, Orchard. 
*Lottie St. John. 

1896. 

Mary P. Brainard, Osage. 

Rev. Bert H. Coonradt, Marcus. 

Cora B. French, Waterloo. 

Alfred Miller, Cresco. 

Fred A. Moore, Plainfield. 

Roscoe J. Starr, Charles City. 

*Gail Sweney Edson. 

O. Guy Webster, Rockford. 

Edna White, Zilla, Wash. 

Emma Wright Pickering, Osage. 

Business Department: 

Alva A. Andrews, White, S. D. 
John E. Dricken, White, S. D. 
Fred W. Ericson, Elon. 
Edward J. Hovelson, Osage. 
Raymond Lewis, Osage. 
Charles L. Lugg, Osage. 
George W. Upcraft. LeRoy, Minn. 
Eliza Weaverling, Chicago, '111. 

1897. 

Clara L. Abernethy, Osage. 

Herbert G. Bartlett, Osage. 

Wilma Benedict, Little Cedar. 

Blanche Brebner, San Jose, Cal. 

Grace Bush Gardner, Osage. 

Charles V. Clark, Chicago. 111. 

Bird Clark Tibbetts, Chicago, 111. 

Burritt K. Cook, Bonair. 

Jared W. Davis, Des Moines. 

Rev. O. R. Olson Farel, Willimantic, Conn. 

Marshall A. Fennell, Pender, Neb. 

Rev. Walter I. Fowle, Ames. 

Ruth Gist, Cedar Falls. 



312 Jowa Baptist Schools. 

Burton C. Hemphill, Swaledale. 
Helen Hitchcock, Osage. 
A. O. Wydell, Roland. 
John J. Meyer, LeRoy, Minn. 
Stella P. Odekirk, Valley City, N. D. 
James Pederson, St. Paul, Minn. 
Margaret A. Scammon, Northwood. 
Albert W. Sides, Chicago, 111. 
Olive Woodard Ogg, Fairmount. 

Business Doyartment: 

Herbert W. Cutler, Park Rapids, Minn. 
Arthur M. Harmon, New Hartford. 
Max Katz, Osage. 
Hugh M. Nichols, Los Angeles, Cal. 

1898. 
Jessie R. Bacon, Osage. 
Dr. W. O. Blanchar, Grand Rapids, Wis. 
Cordelia S. Brown Whitney, Waupun, Wis. 
Vinton P. Eastman, Litchville, N. D. 
Harry C. Leeman, Chicago, 111. 
J. Warren Morse, Estherville. 
Roy D. Seeley, St. Paul, Minn. 
Florence E. Wilcox, Des Moines. 

Department of Elocution: 

Kate B. Fonda, Osage. 

Myrta Patterson Albertson, Austin, Minn. 

Business Department: 

Nellie R. Brown, Chicago, 111. 

Ingvold F. Dahl, Otranto. 

Roy C. Emmett, Minot, N. D. 

Arthur H. Every, Minneapolis, Minn. 

John N. Fairbanks, Brantford, Ontario, Canada. 

Warner H. Gray, Osage. 

Walter L. Hale, LeRoy, Minn. 

O. G. Levorson, Dixie. 

James R. Naden., Orchard. 

Ernest N. Reynolds, Little Cedar. 

Harleth H. Whitney, Simpson, Minn. 

Max M. Muffley, Galveston, Texas. 

Elsie E. Willson, Osage. 

1899. 

Mary Bailey Evens, Waterloo. 
*Maurice R. Carter. 
Mary E. Clyde, Osage. 
Leven W. Damon^ Cresco. 
Ella Eddy Peterson, Osage. 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 313 



M. Earl Felt, Twin Falls, Idaho. 

A. Mabel Goodsell, Grand Meadow, Minn. 

Arthur H. Hampson, Rolla, Mo. 

Dr. Wilber J. Hemphill, Estherville. 

Gertrude Holmes, Chicago, 111. 

*Burnett J. Lapham. 

Flora E. Loomis, Elkton^ Minn. 

John H. Mark, Waudena, Minn. 

Barbara E. Mark Joyce, Grand Meadow, Minn. 

Kate E. Mark, Osage. 

Clara Maxson Brady, Scotch Grove, Ind. 

Maud Stacy Smith, Spirit Lake. 

Mary Sutcliffe May, Larimore, N. D. 

Marshall C. Sweney, Osage. 

Bruce T. Sweney, Seattle, Wash. 

Daisy Tupper Nichols, Los Angeles, Cal. 

Grace B. Tupper, Osage. 

Charlotte E. Wall, Stacyville. 

Clara R. Whitley, Osage. 

Ethel R. Whitmore, Etna, Minn. 

Elsie E. Willson, Osage. 

Business Department: 

Arthur B. Corbitt, Rose Creek, Minn. 
Bert E. Patchen, Nora Springs. 
Oscar S. Fenney, Lawton, Okla. 
Roy H. Skinner, Cedar Rapids. 
Fred A. Titus, Osage. 
Fred B. Wolff, Spokane, Wash. 

1900. 

Homer B. Annis, Chicago, 111. 
Elmer C. Boeck, Springfield, Minn. 
Charles L. Child, Decorah. 
Margaret J. Cutler, Orchard. 

Rev. B. A. Davis, 

Clarence E. Drake, Minneapolis, Minn. 

S. Maude Gable, Osage. 

Palma Harlis Smith, Salt T^ake City, Utah. 

John A. Junk, Ogden, Utah. 

Max M. Muffley, Galveston, Texas. 

Edward D. Reynolds, Brownville. 

Minnie M. Smalley. Chicago 111. 

Stanley R. Smith, Osage. 

Mabel Tomlinson Wright, Chicago, 111. 

William R. Whitcomb, Osage. 

Business Department: 

Dr. Earl V. Cutler, Osage. 



314 Iowa Baptist Schools. 



1901. 

Omer E. Bliss, Minneapolis, Minn. 

Myrtle A. Bliss, Minneapolis, Minn. 

Janet T. Brown, Osage. 

Loren C. Button, Sheldon. 

Anther F. Culver, Boston, Mass. 

Edward W. Fehling, Ann Arbor, Mich. 

Nellie Hawkins, Cascade. 

E. Jennie Hawkins, Sac City. 

Alice M. McCoy, Osage. 

Herbert H. Neill, Griswold, N. D. 

Ada M. Pratt, Blkton, S. D. 

Anna O. Svanberg Johnson, Osage. 

Winifred E. Tuttle, Artesia, N. M. 

Alabel L,. Westlake, Osage. 

James G. Wright, Chicago, 111. 

Business Department: 

George A. Clements, Osage. 
Jesse L. Pratt, Winona, Minn. 
John T. Price, LeRoy, Minn. 
Walter Upcraft, LeRoy, Minn. 

1902. 

Laura Brown Laird, Waverly. 

Birchard Brush, Osage. 

Frank S. Clyde, Osage. 

George L. Fruit, Ash Ridge, Wis. 

Nela Hill, Little Cedar. 

Libbie B. Jacobs, Osage. 

Berenice Katz, Osage. 

Ethel E. Lee, Des Moines. 

Frank D. Moore, Osage. 

Nina A. Nims, Rudd. 

Anna M. Peterson, Osage. 

Edna Sheehan, Osage. 

Jessie Smith Leach, Adel. 

Mary E. Tomlinson, Gray's Lake, 111. 

*Merle L. Whitley. 

Fred B. Wolff, Spokane, Wash. 

Alice J. Woodard Jenkins, Lane, S. D. 

Business Department: 

Elmer O. Clapper, Orchard. 

Albert V. Clapper, Waterloo. 
May Duryee, Mclntire. 
Ray O. Smalley, Liberty, N. M, 



Cedar Valley Seminary. 315 



1903. 

Otis C. Weigle, Riceville. 

Elsie M. White, Osage. 

Helen Katz, Osage. 

Marie G. Cutler, Osage. 

Henry C. Zilk, Riceville. 

Walter B. Nixon, Osage. 

Frank Smith, Iowa Falls. 

Elza B. Carr, Swaledale. 

Maude O. Penney, Lawton, Ind. Ter. 

Ellanora Schroeder, Grand Meadow, Minn. 

Herbert R. Addington, Stacyville. 

Herbert H. Kildee, Osage. 

Clarence S. Sanborn, Mason City. 

Ruth E. Sweney, Osage. 

John E. Wolff, Wallace, Idaho. 

Business Department: 

Leonard Sheldon, Osage. 
Arthur Sprung, Riceville. 
Theodore W. Zilk, Riceville. 

1904. 
Clara Bowman, Osage. 
Grace Barker, Osage. 
May Duryee, Mclntire. 
Verna T. Burtch, Osage. 
Charles Tomlinson, Chicago, 111. 
Ed Dickinson, Osage. 
Olyne Harris Sweney, Butte, Mont. 
Ada Holmes, Osage. 
Eva Smith, Brownville. 
Jessie Lemon, Little Cedar. 
Callie Hill Sanborn, Mason City. 

Business Department: 

Emma Foster, New Haven. 
Warren Proctor, Riceville. 

1905. 

Mary Burtch Hudson, Osage. 
Ada Lewis, Osage. 
Mamie Mark, Osage. 
Alice McKercher, Manly. 
Alyce Hawkins, Cascade. 
Paul D. Sweney, Butte, Mont. 
Howard Woolverton, Muscatine. 

Business Department: 
Edward Allanson, Carpenter. 
Leroy Lewis, New Haven. 



316 loiva Baptist Schools. 

Alice McKercher, Manly. 
Lillian Simmons, Osage. 
Augustus Tupper, Osage. 
Zaidie Tupper, Osage. 

1906. 

Floyd Lewis Laughlin, Osage. 

Business Department: 
Harold M. Gardner. Stacyville. 
Mary E. Haight, Osage. 
Jay W. McCurdy, Osage. 
Mabel C. Naylor, Osage. 
Margaret V. Snyder, Osage. 
Bernice B. Wilson. 

* Deceased. 






ff 


1 


^ / / t ,/ 

/ 


t 


/ / : 




USl i ..I- 




CHAPTER XIL 

Sac City Institute 

The beginuings of Stic City Institute may prop- 
erly be dated bade to the autumn of 1891, when 
Rev. F. W. Gardner and his wife, with Prof. 
George Pierson, opened a private school in two 
buildings rented for the purpose by citizens of 
Sac City. Prof, and Mrs. Gardner were experi- 
enced teachers, and had each done excellent 
service as instructors for a number of years in the 
Cedar Valley Seminary at Osage and elsewhere. 
In opening the school here there was an under- 
standing that if it should prove reasonably success- 
ful the citizens would make an effort to provide 
permanent buildings. The school opened auspi- 
ciously. By the holidays tlie enrollment had reached 
nearly a hundred. The next week a public meeting 
of the citizens Avas called in the court house and a 
board of directors was chosen. Messrs. J. N. Miller, 
Judge Early, Asa Piatt, and Col. Phil Schaller 
were the leading parties in the movement. A 
company was formed and named the Oak Park 
College Company, which took an option on Mr. 
Piatt's farm, south of town, and laid it out into 
lots. The plan adopted was to turn over to the 
directors all the money secured above the price of 
the land. The lots were put up at auction, one hun- 
dred fifty-two being disposed of at the first sale, 

317 



318 loica Baptist Schools. 

and tifty-three at the second. The contract for the 
buildings was let to a Mr. Anderson of Emporia, 
Kansas, to be completed September 1, 1892. They 
were not, however, completed until the summer of 
1893, and the delay proved a serious injury to the 
school for the second year. 

An arrangement was first made to turn the prop- 
erty over to the Episcopalians, who were to assume 
charge of the school that year; but the officials of 
that organization finally decided not to undertake 
the work, and the buildings remained vacant for 
one year. 

In the meantime, Rev. J. D. Collins was called 
to the pastorate of the Sac (Jity Baptist church. He 
preached his first sermon there May 21, 1893, and 
when the Episcopal people failed to take charge 
of the school, he looked over the situation locally, 
and made a study of the location of the Baptist 
schools of the state, very soon concluding that the 
Baptists ought to secure this splendid location and 
l>roDerty. Re, tlierefore, wrote to sur-h men as he 
knew in the state, including President Stetson, 
Revs. N. B. Rairden. E. P. Bartlett, H. C. Nash, 
and J. W. Allen, also to Dr. C. E. Hewitt of the 
University of Chicago. 

Receiving favorable replies from all these 
bretliren. he went to the officers of the Oak Park 
College Company with the letters, and told them 
he believed that the Baptists of the state would 
take the school if given an oi^portunity. In the 
work of creating local sentiment in favor of Bap- 
tist control of tho contemplated school, he was 
ably assisted by the little local church, and by 
such business men as S. l\l. S^^oufPer, editor of the 
Sac Sun, Dr. C. Brown, E. N. Baily, cashier of 



Sac City Institute. 319 

Sac Count J State Bank, Judge S. M. El wood, and 
others. 

The regular (juarterly meeting of the Iowa Ba])- 
tist state convention was held at Des Moines, 
February 7, 1894, also at the same time and place, 
a meeting of the executive committee of the Iowa 
Baptist Education Society. The question of estab- 
lishing a Baptist academy at Sac City was dis- 
cussed at this joint meeting, and committees were 
appointed; (me to visit Sac City at an early date, 
and report to the president of the state convention 
regarding the property, the conditions found there, 
and any propositions that might be submitted for 
the transfer of the property, in case the Baptists 
decided to assume the responsibility. The second 
committee was given discretionary poAver to enter 
into contract for the acceptance of the property, 
name a person to assume the headship for the 
new school, and arrange for other instructors. 

The first named committee visited Sac City 
February 27, and made the following report, 
through its chairman : 

Des Moines, Towa, March 1, 1894, 
President J. P. Clyde, Iowa Baptist State Convention: 
My Dear Sir — I have the pleasure to transmit to you the 
report of the committee whif^h visited Sac City, February 
27, to look over the property offered to us on certain condi- 
tions for school purposes. 

Sac City is situated in Sac county, on the Coon liver. 
It is the county seat, and has a population of about seven- 
teen hundred. Next to the river the country is quite rolling 
and bluffy, and much of it is covered with trees. Away 
from the river the surface consists of beautiful prairie. 
Upon these bluffs and upon the edge of the prairie the 
town is built. It is finely situated, and has some good 
bloclts, and fine residences. It has good drainage, and can 
at any time be supplied with excellent spring water issuing 
from contiguous bluffs. 

The people in the tov.fn and surrounding country ave 
mostly Americans. The character of the people is indi- 



320 loiva Baptist Schools. 

eated by the fact that there are no saloons in the place — 
they would not be tolerated. We found the people sober, 
quiet, moral, generous, very hospitable, and at the same 
time wide awake, and full of energy and public spirit. 

There are five denominations represented here, viz, the 
Baptist, Methodist, Presl)yterian, Episcopal, and Catholic; 
each of which has a house of worship. The Baptists have 
a new and neat and pleasant church, not fully completed. 
The Baptists have good standing in the town. The mem- 
bership has increased from 2 7 to 6 8 within a few months. 
The pastor's name is Collins, and he has two more years 
to spend in the seminary. He is highly respected. 

The school buildings are located in the southwest part 
of the town, on the edge of the prairie, four blocks from 
the depot. A sidewalk leads all the way to the buildings. 

There is, first, a college campus, consisting of about three 
acres, finely situated, with good drainage, in the center of 
which is placed the college building. 

Second, across the street, east, is a tract of about seven 
acres, called the College Park, through which runs a ravine 
containing a small stream of water. The banks of this 
ravine consist of bluffs, which are covered with a beautiful 
grove of second growth of oak timber. The tract is seeded. 

There are also forty lots, not situated together in a 
block, but scattered in different blocks in the college addi- 
tion. These lots have all been appraised at a fair price, 
but will bring more than their appraised value if a suc- 
cessful school is established. 

The college building is a nice building and has every 
appearance of being substantial and well built. It has a 
stone foundation all around and plenty of strong brick piers 
underneath, dividing up the cellar into rooms. The cellar 
is seven or eight feet from the ground to the lower floor, 
and can easily be made deeper. The building is spacious, 
splendidly lighted, and finished with hard pine, and the 
walls with hard finish. The celling of the assembly room 
is of iron. 

The dimensions of the building are: 67 feet 6 inches by 
72 feet. Its height from basement to plate is 47 feet, the 
tower and roof above that. The first floor has four rooms 
besides two large cloak rooms, these latter furnished with 
hooks The dimensions of the rooms on this floor are as 
follows: 18 by 18 ft., 25 by 20 ft., 23 by 53 ft., and 24 by 
24 ft Dimensions of second floor: 2 by 2 4 ft., 17 by 18 
ft and 3 6 by 60 ft. This latter is the assembly room, and Is 
fine- besides a room for office. Third story, a room 26 by 
3 feet, and a room In the tower. These are all nice rooms 
and excellently lighted. 




PRINCIPAL GEO. W. LEE, A. B. 



- Sac City Institute. 321 

The dormitory is 44 feet square, and four stories high. 
Including basement. It has thirty-three rooms, with front 
and back stairways, and a steam radiator in each room. It 
Is heated by steam. Each room is furnished with a bed- 
stead, wire springs, mattress, wasli stand, bowl and pitcher, 
table, and loolcing glass. The basement has a large dining 
room, laundry, kitchen, bath room, root room, and furnace 
or boiler room. 

There is a well, a cistern, and out houses, in good repair. 

A school was carried on here about two years, with one 
hundred twenty scholars. 

There are needed $3,000 at least to put things in running 
order. It will need ijil.SOO to put in heating apparatus, in 
the school building. It will want $1,000 or more to furnish 
it. They give us till April 1, to determine what we will 
do. They would be pleased if our answer could be given 
even earlier. Fraternally yours, E. P. Batlett. 

President Stetson, also chairman of the second 
committee, visited Sac 01 ty March 10, looked over 
the buildings and grounds and location in general ; 
preached there Sunday, the 11th, and the next day 
met, in an informal way, the members of the Oak 
Park Company. 

At a later meeting held May 18, the following 
members of the two committees were present at 
Sac Oitv: President H. L. Stetson, Revs. E. P. 
Bartlett, J. W. Allen, and IT. 0. Nash; also Dr. 
W. E. Witter and Mr. William Aitchison, Jr., of 
Des Moines. Mr. Bartlett preached in the Baptist 
church Friday evening, and the entire company 
met with the Oak Park Company, on Saturday, at 
which time the main lines of the agreement were 
mapped out. 

The second committee, after considerable con- 
ference and correspondence, held a final meeting 
at Sac City, July 12, 1894, and entered into a con- 
tract with the Oak Park College Company of Sac 
City, for the transfer of the buildings and grounds 
and designated lots, to a board of trustees named 
to take charge of the school, and the payment of an 



322 loiva BaptlaL Schools. 

annual support fund of |1,200 for the period of 
four years, on condition that an academy of first 
grade be maintained for a period of ten years, the 
buildiug-.s kept amplj- insured, and an effort be 
made to secure a permanent endowment fund of 
not less than |28,000. Articles of incorporation 
were drawn up and signed, and the name. Sac City 
Institute, formally adopted. 
The incorporators were: 

J. Wayland Allen, E. P. Bartlett, Caleb Brown, J. D. 
Collins, E. N. Daily, D. Carr Early, S. M. Elwood, P. J. 
Finney, .T. W. Martin, James N. Miller, H. C. Nash, H. L. 
Stetson, Phil Schaller, W. E. Witter, and D. E. Hallet. 

The first board of trustees was as follows: 

J. W. Allen, E. P. Bartlett, Caleb Brown, E. N. Baily, 
S. M. Elwood, P. J. Finnev, J. W. Martin, James N. Miller, 
H. C. Nash, H. L. Stetson, W. E. Witter, R. I-. Robie, R. E. 
Coburn, W. A. McHenry, D. F. Bryan, B. F. Lutz, M. E. 
Jones, S. L. Berkley, E. S. Plimpton, D. Carr Early, and 
Phil Sclialler. 

Rev. H. C. Nash, pastor at Denison, who had 
been a successful high school principal, prior to 
entering the ministry, was chosen principal. 

The school was formally opened Sunday, Sep- 
tember 30, 1894. Rev. H. W. Tilden, D. D., pastor 
of the First Baptist church, of Des Moines, was 
present and delivered an a]ipropriate sermon in the 
large chapel of Academy hall. 

The next day, October 1, 1894, stutlents were en- 
rolled and classes formed. 

The first catalogue was issued in 1894, contain- 
ing the names of the first faculty : 

Rev. H. C. Nash, A. M., principal, moral science and 
literature. 

Mrs. Mary C. Nash, preceptress; mathematics and English. 
Frances Tl. Wheeler, A. B., Latin and mathematics. 
Clyde C. Hammerly, M. D., history and didactics. 
Irene Smedley, A. B., Greek and Latin. 



Sac City Institute. 323 

Caleb Brown, M. D., instructor physical sciences and 
chemistry. 

J. D. Lewis, vocal and instrumental music. 
Mrs. M. E. Ross, art. 

Allie F. Harding, shorthand and typewriting. 
J. O. Hardwick, penmanship. 

There were one hundred and six students en- 
rolled tlie first year; one hundred and fifty-four, 
the second; and one hundred end seventv-two, the 
third. J\Ieantinie a few changes had occurred in 
the faculty. Miss Smedley had resigned her work 
in Greek, and Miss Winnie St. Clair took her 
place. C. E. Stallcop was added for didactics and 
commercial law, with some other minor changes. 

]Mr. Nash remained one year longer and then 
resigned to re-enter the pastorate. The secretary 
of tlie Iowa Baptist Education Society in his an- 
nual report submitted in October, 1898, says: 

After four years of self-sacrificing labor to establish an 
academy in trying times, Principal H. C. Nash retires from 
Sac City Institute. Prof. Walter Guthridge is serving as 
acting principal. 

Mr. Guthridge served as acting principal for 
one year when Mr. George W. Lee, a recent 
alumnus of Des Moines College, was chosen prin- 
<'ipal, and took charge of the school. 

Mr. Guthridge and the Misses Wheeler and 
Hutchinson remained in the faculty for one more 
year. Ettie F. Walker, Ph. R., was added for 
German and English; Laura N. Hobbs, tutor in 
normal department; Jennie A. Hannum, painting; 
and ET. P. Peterson, penmanship. 

During Principal Lee's first year the attend- 
ance was small, there being but thirty-nine in the 
academic department in a total enrollment of one 
hundred thirty- three. Put this steady nerved, 
plucky young man did not propose to get dis- 



324 loLca Baplist ^'o//«o/s. 

coiiragpd. Re kept plodding steadily forward, try- 
ing- to iiiaintaiii a good school, provide means of 
support, and secure a beginning toward endow- 
ment. The attendance increased gradually, and 
in 1902, at the close of his third year, there were 
seventy-five in the academic department, from a 
total enrollment of one hundred fifty-one About 
|5,000 had been secured for endowment. 

In October, 1903, the annual meeting of the 
Iowa Baptist state convention was held with the 
Baptist church at Sac City. During the sessions 
of the Education Society a committee was ap- 
pointed to devise plans for the assistance of the 
Institute. The report of this committee was as 
follows : 

Whereas, Property situated at Sac City, in the center 
of one of the richest portions of our state, worth for 
educational purposes, $50,000 has been given to our 
denomination, and 

Whereas, To complete the raising of $20,000 for endow- 
ment of Sac City Institute, $5,000 more must be secured 
by January 1, 1904, and, 

Whereas, The northwestern part of the state has suf- 
fered severely from excessive rain for the past two years, 
therefore. 

Be it Resolved. That the Baptists of the entire state 
should contribute to the success of this effort, find, that the 
repref-entatives of Sac City Institute should everywhere be 
given all possible assistance in the prosecution of their 
canvass. W. M. Walker, H. O. Rowlands, John Earl, G. W. 
I<ee, committee. 

Upon the adoption of the rei^ort an appeal was 
made by the committee for subscriptions for the 
fund named, and under the leadership of Rev. W. 
M. Walker. D. T>,, the sum of |2,215 was subscribed 
for ^he Institute. 

The school, like nearly all such institutions, had 
its period of struggle for existence, wherein the in- 
come was small, the equipment meager, and the 



Sac City Institute. 325 

work uecessariiy done under rather discouraging 
circumstances; but as good fortune would liave ii, 
tiiere was a man at tlie liead who worked resolutely 
on, accepting conditions, and improving them 
whenever and wherever he could. The result has 
been substantial progress almost from the begin- 
ning, even though sometimes rather slow. 

To some of his assistants equal credit is due, for 
their patient, thoiough, and often self-sacrihcing 
labors in behalf of the young school. Miss Frances 
K. Wheeler accepted a position at the beginning, 
^^'here she remained some six years, always doing 
the best kind of work in her department. 

Dr. Caleb Brown continued instructor and 
lecturer in physical science for several years. 

Mrs. Mary C. Nash remained during the four 
years of her husband's principalship, an instructor 
and administrator of exceptional ability. 

Mr. 0. E, Stallcop, entering the second year, re- 
mained three or more years. 

The Misses St. Clair, Bessie B. Larrabee, 
Walker, and Hannum, each gave two years or 
rnoie of excellent service. Later, Misses Elizabeth 
J. Moore, Mary R. Kingsbury, Wilfred White, 
Nellie Sutherland, Eva L. Fitch, and Jessie E. 
Bacon, came and remained long enough to prove 
the excellent character of their work, and to be 
loug remembered with affection by the students 
they helloed. 

In the recent years George E. Conj^don, W. J. 
Findley,M. D., Rev. J. D. Collins, and J. F. Lee 
]iave each given several years' service. 

The Institute is faii'ly equipped with buildingvS 
for the work it has so far undertaken: 

Acadeiny Hall is a fine structure of pressed 
brick with stone trimmings. It contains seven 



326 Iowa Baptist Schools. 

well lighted, well ventilated, and well heated class 
rooms, neat chapel, an elegant society hall, library, 
principal's office, and cloak rooms. 

Ladies' Hall is a large building erected for the 
special purpose of accommodating a boarding 
department. In addition to rooms for the accom- 
modation of students, it contains a dining room, 
kitchen, bath room with hot and cold water con- 
nections, and toilet rooms. 

Piatt Cottage is a building south of and adjacent 
to Ladies' Hall, donated by Mr. Asa Piatt, of Sac 
City, and is fitted up for young men, who board at 
Ladies' Hall. 

The faculty for the year 1906-1907, was given 
as follows : 

G. W. Lee, A. B., principal; economics and normal depart- 
ment. 

Daniel Shutts, A.B., science and mathematics. 

E. Jane Hawkins, Ph. B., German and English. 

Mrs. J. I. Brown, Latin and oratory. 

Rev. J. D. Collins, Bible. 

Rev. Frank A. Chase, lecturer on Bible history. 

W. J. Pindley, M. D., lecturer on physiology. 

Chris Nelson, commercial department. 

Clara M. Austin, piano, harmony, and theory. 

Edith Morgan, violin. 

Mrs. Jeanett S. Gesel, art. 

The Institute was never in better condition than 
it is at the present time, there is marked develop- 
ment in eA^ery way. The department of music has 
grown until three teachers are employed. The 
addition of a business department has brought 
many students, and promises many more the com- 
ing year. 

In November, 1900, the board of trustees decided 
upon (me more advance step, namely, to raise 
$30,000 additional endowment, the movement to 
be accomplished by January, 1909. Last year the 



Sac City Institute. 327 

atleudance way oue iiuudred sixty-seven. A hope- 
ful spirit pervades all parties, and they are looking 
for great things to come to pass in the near future. 
This school, situated in the center of a magnif- 
icent territory in northwest Iowa, has an inviting 
tield of the greatest promise. Like the school at 
Osage, in northeast Iowa, it is a long way from 
the college at Des Moines, and in the midst of 
Baptists who could, of their own resources, in the 
near future, if once united in the effort, give them 
each a splendid equipment, endowment, and sup- 
port. It is quite within the possibilities that the 
Baptists of Iowa may yet h.ave two colleges of high 
rank in north Iowa, whether or not it may be their 
good fortune to enter into some measure of tlieir 
just heritage in educational achievement at Des 
Moines or elsewhere. 



Ind 



ex. 



Abernethy, Col. A., 75, 147, 148, 

155, 213, 268, 278, 286, 296. 
Abernethy, Mabel, (Gillen) 

272 2 8 '1 
Abernethy, H. A., 162, 277. 
Abernethy, Clara L., 287. 
Abernethy, Rev. L. F., 272. 
A Change of Policy, 209. 
Adams, Pres. Geo. D., 164, 165. 
Adams, J. R., 283. 
Addington, Julia C, 256. 
Adklns, Rev. F., 121, 180, 186. 
Affiliation, 161, 168. 
Agency City, 50, 105. 
Aikins, H. D., 232. 
Aitchison, Rev. Wm., 159, 204, 

230, 232, 321. 
Aitchison, Rev. J. Y., 161. 
Aitchison, Harriet R., 165, 169. 
Alden, Mrs. M., 283. 
Alexander, L. M., 265, 283. 
Alexander, T. A., 272. 
Alexander, C. W., 273. 
Alexander, Mary C, 90, 91. 
Algona, 19. 

Allen, Pres. L. B., 77, 81, 83, 88. 
Allen, Wm. P., 80. 
Allen, Mrs. Julia A. Gray, 80, 

85. 
Allen, Lucy, 80. 
Allen, Rev. J. W., 226, 228, 229, 

318, 321, 322. 
Alumnit 

Central College, 132,-137 

Des Moines College, 170-174. 

Cedar Valley Seminary, 306- 

316. 
Am. Bap. Miss. Union, 40, 91. 
Am. Bap. Education Society, 

102, 157, 159, 163. 169, 177, 

178, 248, 280. 
Am. Bap. Home Mission Soc. 

24, 38, 39. 
Amos, C. J., 117. 
Annis, J. W., 283, 305. 
Annis, Frank, 271. 
Annis, Dr. Homer B., 289. 
Archer, Rev. F. M.. 232. 
Archibald, Rev. T. H., 37, 51. 
A Second Movement for Co- 
ordination, 19S. 
Atherton, T. M.. 277. 
Atherton, Jennie, 254. 
Atkinson, H. L., 99, 100. 



Atwood, A. N., 57, 106. 
Austin, Clara M.. 326. 
Avery, Rev. W. H. H., 203, 208. 
Avery, Frank J., 271. 
Avery, A. H., 274. 
Avery, Linda G., 98. 
Axtell, Prof. S. J., 126. 
Ayers, S., 57, 106. 



Babcoek, C. H., 278. 

Bacon, Kittle, 278, J99. 
Bacon, Jessie R., 325. 
Bailey, Dr. G. S., 187, 197, 201. 
Baily, E. N., 318, 322. 
Balch, T. E., 122, 123, 124, 201. 
Ball, Bertha E., 90. 
Ballard, Prof. S. H., 93, 94. 
Barker, F. A., 58, 106. 
Barker, E. G., 115, 117, 249. 
Barker, Fannie, 117. 
Barker, A. P., 232. 
Barrett, Dr. Richard F., 78. 
Barrett, Dr. J. W., 284. 
Barron, E. R., 180, 283. 
Barrows, Wlllard, 14. 
Bartlett, Rev. E. P., 318, 321, 

322. 
Bartlett, H. G., 287. 
Bartlett's School of Music, 167. 
Barton, W. H., 284. 
Barton, E. Clark, 276. 
Bateman, Rev. F. W., 161. 
Bates, Rev. John, 52, 55, 57, 

100. 
Beal, Thos., 203. 
Beaman, Rev. H. G., 161. 
Beard, Kate Keables, 104. 
Beaver, Bessie A.. 288. 
Beck, Judge J. M., 42, 180. 
Beckett, C. H., 274. 
Belden, Rev. A. R., 55, 56, 67. 
Belden, Mrs. D. A., 169. 
Bemis, Dr. O. H., 279. 
Benbow. J. L., 93. 
Benedict, Wilma, 287. 
Berger, N. J., 305. 
Berkley, W. H., 232. 
Berkley. S. L., 322. 
Bevan, Rev. M. D., 223, 284. 
Beyer. Prof. S. W., 273. 
Bigelovif, Mrs. Sarah E., 284. 
Bishop, John E., 255. 
Bishop College, 120. 



329 



330 



Index. 



Illni'k HH^vk Purchase, 15, 17, 

20. 
Blackman, Dr. W. W., 259, 260, 

283. 
Blackman, Mrs, Nellie, 283. 
Blackman, Rev. A. C, 256. 
Blakeslee, Prof. T. M., 153, 

155, 157, 166. 
Blakeslee Scholarship, 298. 
Blakeslee, Mrs. J. L., 284. 
Blanchard, Rev. I. E., 48. 
Blanchar, Dr. W. O., 274. 
Blatchley, Mrs. Louise, 86. 
Bliss, C. N., 265, 284. 
Blood. C. G., 42. 
Blood, Julia E., 77. 
Bloomington (Muscatine), 49. 
Boflnk. Chas., 169, 283. 
Bond, Rev. John, 29, 30, 36, 52, 

57, 106. 
Bond, Rev. Geo. W., 36, 52, 55, 

57, 106. 
Boug-hton, Maj. D. M., 265. 
Bousquet, A. E. Dudok, 67, 68, 

107. 
Bovell, Rev. T. S., 232. 
Bowen, Hon. B. G., 179. 
Bowen, Mrs. S. R., 169, 283. 
Bowman, Col. M. T. V., 210. 
Brabrook, Rev. B. P., 34, 52, 

54, 66, 68. 
Brande, Rev. Thos., 145, 186. 
Brasted, Rev. B. H., 150. 
Breaker, Rev. Geo., 231. 
Brebner, Blanche, 287. 
Brenton, Clyde E., 156. 
Brink, Rev. C. M.. 203. 

Brink, Rev. L. A., 274. 

Bristol, Rev. H. C 199. 

Broaddus, Rev. M. E., 95, 9., 
98 

Brooks, Rev. Kendall, 187, 189, 
197. 

Brooks, Rev. C, 186. 

Brower, E. D., 68. 

Brown, Rev. C. E., 43, 46, 48, 
50, 79. 

Brown, Leonard, 74, 75. 

Brown, Rev. H. A., 145, 155. 

Brown, Dr. Caleb, 322, 323. 325. 

Brown. Alice M., 92. 

Brown, Arnold E., 277. 

Brown, Emma R., 81. 

BroAvn, Rolla B., 284. 

Brown, Dr. C, 318. 

Brown, Mrs. J. I., 326. 

Brownlie, Rev. C. F., 273. 

Bruce, Rev. Robt., 232. 

Brunen. F. M., 186. 

Brush, J. H., 267. 283. 298. 

Brush, Avery. 283, 305. 

Brush, Frank A., 272. 

Brush, Albert L., 276. 

Brvan, D. F., 322. 

Bundv, Irving, 297, 299. 

Burdette, J. W., 204. 



Burg, Mary, 98, 99. 
Biiriinii^tou lustitute, 40, 51-53, 

58, 64, 84, 102, 177, 206. 
Burnett Rev. H., 27, 28, 52, 57, 

106. 
Burnham, Mary E., 79. 
Burns. H. G., 300. 
Burr, Rev. J. D.. 127. 
Burrington, Rev. H. H., 186, 

252, 258. 
Burroughs, Pres, J. C, 59, 73, 

89, 113. 
Burrows, Nellie, 92. 
Burt. Perry E., 98. 
Burt. Maud, 98. 
Burtch, A. J., 283. 
Burton, Dr. N. S., 186. 
Bush, Rev. A. D., 80, 186. 
Bush, Dr. Alva, 79, 198, 199, 

251-253, 256, 260, 262, 264, 

266, 267, 268. 
Bush, Prof. A. B., 129. 
Bush, Albert, 284. 
Bush, Rev. L. T., 80, 265. 
Bush, Abbie F., 254, 262. 
Bush, Clara E., 255. 
Bush, Ada E., 284. 
Bush Vinnie (Moran), 274. 
Bush, Mrs. Martha D., 256. 
Bush Flora (Morse), 272. 
Bush, Grace (Gardner), 287. 
Bushnell, H. M., 263. 
Butler, R. C, 274. 
Butler, Dr. Nathaniel, 225. 
Button. Rev. A. R., 156, 263, 

271, 274, 277 281, 284. 
Button Eva, 265. 
Bvington, Walter, 265. 
Bvron, Rev. E. S., 30, 31. 



Cady. Deacon E., 40, 52. 59. 

107. 
Cadv Marv A.. 90. 
Cain, Rev. W. A., 203. 
Caldwell, Dr. J. E., 265. 
Caldwell, C. D., 109, 110. 
Calkins, Mary A. (Chassell), 

Call, Rev. L. N., 203, 210. 230, 

231. 232, 264, 269. 
Call Prof. D. F., 153, 198, 263, 
265, 267, 268. 
Call, Leona A., 123, 153, 154, 

265. 267, 269. 
Call Myra E., 92, 267. 
Callanan, James, 169. 
Campbell, Rev. Orr, 232. 
Canine, Rev. W. P., 161, 162. 
Cannon, E. J.. 273. 
Cannon, P. H., 276. 
Carpenter, Rev. B., 46, 48. 
Carter, Dr. G. W., 283. 
Cassady, Leon, 158. 
Catlin, Rev. O. W., 232. 
Caul, Rev. A. W., 162, 279. 



Indew. 



831 



Cedar Valley l^emiaary, 79, 

206, 224, 251, 260. 
C. V. Baptist Association, 251. 

252, 253, 258, 289, 295. 
Central College, 39, 54, 60, 63, 

104, 130, 131, 132, 204, 207, 

208, 224, 246, 248. 
Chaffee, Pres. A. B., 127, 128, 

129, 227, 229, 230, 232, 245. 
Chamberlain, Anna J. M. 

(Dow), 75, 78. 
Chambers. Gov. John, 17. 
Chandler, Elihu, 25. 
Chapman, Rev. N. E., 285. 
Chase, Dr. S. B., 255, 258, 260, 

267, 280. 
Chase, Dr. F. W., 254, 262, 283. 
Chase, Dr. C. S., 231, 255, 262, 

283, 305. 
Chase Alice M. (White). 256. 
Chase, Ada (Whitley), 254. 
Cheedle, Rev. R., 31. 
Chicago Educational Conven- 
tion, 185. 
Child, C. L.. 289. 
Childs, Rev. J. F., 138, 146, 152, 

179, 186, 187. 
Christian Times, 60. 
Church, Judge Z. A. 232. 
Churches: 

Blomlngton (Muscatine), 25. 

Long Creek (Danville), 24, 

25. 

Pisgah, 24. 

Washington, 24. 
Clapp, Rev. R. A., 186. 
Clark, Chas. V., 279, 287. 
Clark, Bird (Tibbetts), 287. 
Clarke, A. H., 284. 
Clarkson, Mrs. J. S., 118. 
Class of 1887 Oratorical Prlne, 

288 
Clausen, C. L., 259. 
Cleghorn, Dr. A., 203, 283. 
Cleveland, Lizzie W., 117. 
Clement, Jesse, 90. 
Clement, Mrs. Jesse, 91, 92. 
Clement, Prof. E. W., 90. 91. 
Clemmer, G. G., 203. 
Cloud, Rev. H. S., 76. 
Clough, Dr. John E., 77, 78, 

79, 84. 
Clyde, Judge J. F., 230, 232. 

257, 262. 277. 283. 305, 319. 
Clyde. Frank S., 289. 
Clyde, A. W., 256. 
Clyde. Louie E. (Marsh). 356. 
Coad, Ernest. 93. 
Coates. Rev. A. B.. 265, 284. 
Cockrell. H. E., 300. 
Coddington, A. B., 278. 
Coddington, S. M.. 273. 
Coffin. Mrs. Emma B. (Farn- 

ham). 284. 
Coffman. Leroy M., 92. 
Cole, Cyrenus, 123, 126. 



Cole, S. W., 283. 

Cole, Rev. A. T., 186. 

Colby. H. E., 285. 

Colgate, S., 175. 

Colgrove, Prof. C. P., 295. 

Collen, Anna J., 92. 

Collins, Rev. J. D., 318, 322, 

325, 326. 
Colver, Dr. Nathaniel, 84. 
Committee of Fifteen, Report 

of, 206-208. 
Conger, Rev. O. T., 79, 152. 
Congdon, G. E.. 325. 
Conley, Dr. A. T., 257, 262, 284. 
Conley, Dr. J. W., 257. 
Conley, Rev. Geo. W. 256. 
Conley, Dr. C. E., 279 
Conrey. L C, 109. 
Cook, Burritt K.. 287. 
Cook. W. W., 127-129. 
Cooley, Dr. D. H., 186, 210. 
Coon. Rev. D. L, 271. 
Coon. Dr. G. S.. 273. 
Coonradt. Rev. B. H., 285. 
Corey, Prof. C. C, 115, 117. 
Corless. F. W., 117. 
Corner, F.. 58, 107. 
Cotter, C. H., 284. 
Cotton, J. B., 117, 119, 120. 
Cotton, Miss A. E., 119, 120. 
Cox, H. G., 129. 
Craven. C, 41, 62, 140, 179. 
Craven, E. W., 151. 153. 
Crego, Alice (Smith), 257. 
Cressey, Rev. T. R., 180. 
Crittenden, Rev. O. L., 186. 
Crosby. F. S. and C. S.. 284. 
Crowell. Wm.. 67. 
Crowder. M. P., 58, 107. 
Culver, Rev. A. F., 289. 
Cunningham, Delia A., 276. 
Cunningham. Maud, 278. 
Currier, Prof. A. N., 113-115, 

162, 186. 233. 283. 
Currier. Rev. J.. 54. 106. 
Curtis. Rev. I. C, 55, 56, 106, 

107, 109, 111. 
Curtis. Maj. H. G..115, 117,249, 
Custer, Rev. C. L., 246, 248. 
Cutler, J. B., 284. 
Cutler, M. G., 301. 
Cutler, H. W., 287. 
Cucler, Josephine (Woods), 81, 

144, 145. 
Cutting, Dr. S. S., 175, 176, 185. 

187. 



Dalley PrUe Contest. 

Dailev, J. F.. 284. 298. 

Damon. L. W., 289. 

Dane, H. H., 265, 284. 

Danner, Libbie P., 92. 

Darby, Rev. C, 62. 

Darwin, Mrs. M. A. P., 72, 86. 

Dasher. G. F., 169. 



332 



Indeao. 



Davenport Aasociation, 49. 
Davles. Rev. P. G., 280, 232, 

250. 
Davis, N., 58, 107. 
Davis, J. D., 287. 
Davis, Tlios. G., 129. 
Davis, Florence M., 149. 
Davis, Dottle I. (Conley), 279. 
Day. Henry, 186. 
Dean, Rev. Chas. S., 273. 
Deerlng, Hon. N. C, 277. 
DeLong, I. M., 121, 123, 124. 
Denison, Rev. J. W., 180, 186. 
Denominational School, 65. 
Derby, Laura, 85. 
Des Moines Association, 47, 54. 
Ues MoiueM Collegre, 63, 102, 

138, 163, 168, 177, 181, 189, 

204, 207. 208, 224. 
DeWard, Chas., 15. 
Dewey. F. H., 158, 161. 
DeWolf, Prof. I. H., 150, 152, 

153. 
Dickens. G. W., 203. 
Dickinson, Dr. W. H., 145, 203, 

284. 
Dickinson, Warren, 156. 
Dodg-e, Sen. A. C, 72. 
Dodge, Gov. Henry, 16, 20. 
Donohue, Mary L., 99. 
Donohue, Rebecca E., 98, 99. 
Dorward, Rev. W. H., 124, 202. 
Dover, Amanda D., 98. 
Dow, Prof. Geo. W., 75, 77, 78. 
Dubuque, 20. 
Duke, Mollie K., 92. 
Dunn, Pres. L. A., 119, 120, 122, 

125, 186-188, 198, 211, 212. 
Duncan Academy, 91. 
Dunn, Lucy A., 120. 
Dwelle. L., 169, 283. 
Dwelle, H. v., 284. 
Dwelle, Prof., H. A., 274. 
Dwelle, Dr. E. H., 279. 
Dwight, Prof. L., 107. 
Dye. Rev. Daniel, 30. 

Early Interest in Denomina- 
tional Education, 47. 

Early Settlers, 44, 47. 

Earl, Dr. John A., 158, 161, 165, 

228, 229, 230, 231, 233. 245. 
Early .Tudge D. C, 317, 322. 
Eastman, V. P., 289. 
Eastman, E. H., 153. 
Eaton, Dr. Edwin, 62, 180, 182, 

300. 
Eaton, Hon. W. L.,254, 283. 
Eaton, Rev. H.. 31. 
Eaton. Pres.. 217. 
Eaton, Mattle, 270. 
Eberhart, Rev. A. G., 52, 140, 

Eckert, O. E., 284. 
Edgerly. Dr. E. T.. 232. 
Edmond, Carrie, 126. 



Bdmondoon. Rev. J. B., 232. 
Educational Convention at — . 

Brooklyn, N. Y., 175. 

Chicago, 111.. 185. 

Philadelphia, Pa., 186. 

Iowa City, 53, 66, 105, 180. 

Des Moines, 182. 

Marshalltown, see Marshall- 
town Conference. 

Ottumwa, 209. 
Edwards, Rev. Morg-an, 81. 
Edwards, A. J., 283. 
Ege, W. M., 89, 285. 
Eggleston, Rev. W. A., 77. 
Elder, Ina, 90, 91. 
Elliott, Rev. Wm., 24. 48. 50, 

58, 67, 107. 
Elmore, Rev. S., 37. 
Elwood, Judg-e S. M..319, 322. 
Endow iiient— 

Burlington Col. Inst., 84, 87. 

Central College, 111, 113, 119, 
122. 

Des Moines Colleg-e, 159, 160, 
163, 304. 

Cedar Valley Seminary. 225, 
264, 276, 278, 280, 298. 
Evans, Rev. Alex., 25. 
Evans. Rev. T. R., 210, 211, 223. 
Everest, Geo., 288. 
Ewing, \V. B., 40. 



Kales, Joseph T., 41, 53, 66. 

Fausel, l?ev. F., 81. 

Fare), Rev. O. R. O., 287. 

Farr, Rev. G. E., 128. 

Farr, Mary E. (Bradbury), 278, 

285. 
Faville, Hon. F. F., 270. 
Faville, Ernest, 278. 
Fflt, M. E., 281. 
Kenncll, M. A., 287. 
Ferguson. Rev. W. L., 158, 161, 

165, 281. 
Fepterson. Rev. John S., 266. 
Fields, Amelia A., 88, 89. 
Fields. E. A., 274. 
I'indlev. W. J., 325. 
Firth, Martha, 127, 128. 129. 
Fish. Rev. R. M., 73. 
Fisher, Rev. Ezra. 26, 46, 48. 
Fi,<^her A., 5 7, 107. 
Fitch. Eva L., 325. 
Fitkin. VV. L.. 274. 
Flaten, P. A.. 261. 
Flint, Ellen B. (Guernsey- 

Wnnzer). 25 6. 
F"'onda, E. S., 284, 296, 300. 
Footsteps of the Redeemer, 

122. 
Forbes, F. H., 261. 
Forbey. Theo., 93. 
Foreman, Judge C, 267, 277. 
Foreman, Misses L. and G., 

283. 



Index. 



333 



Forts, Established, 13. 
Forward, Prof. DeWitt, D., 92. 

93. 
Forward, Fannie B.. 92, 93. 
Forward, Sophia, 93. 
Foslcett, Rev. H. B., 159, 202, 

210. 
Fosltet. H. I., 170. 
Poulk, A., 55, 57, 106. 
Fowle, Rev. W. I., 287. 
Fowler, Dr. A. T., 165, 229-232, 

240. 
Frame, Lizzie, 93. 
Frazee. Florence, 92. 
French, Frank P., 263. 
Frey, Sadie P., 92. 
Frey Harlan S., 93. 
Friese, Rev. V.^ 86. 
Frost, Rev. R. D., 261, 262. 
Puller, Rev. A. W., 206, 208. 
Puller. Dr. Geo. W., 284. 
Puller, Dr. L., 284. 
Pullerton, Alice M., 299, 300. 
Fulton, Dr. John, 140, 252. 258. 

Gaines, Rev. F. IH., 149. 
Gardner, Dr. Geo. W., 122, 123, 

124, 199, 201. 
Gardner, Ada G., 123. 
Gardner, Clarence, 92. 
Gardner, Chas. P., 256. 
Gardner, Clark E., 277, 305. 
Gardner, Rev. P. W., 126, 273, 

317. 
Gardner, Mrs. Susie J., 317. 
Gardner, J. G., 91. 
Gardner, Leni L., 265. 
Garland, Hamlin, 265, 266. 
Garretson. A. S., 169. 
Garrison, Prep. L. A., 128, 129, 

130. 
Garton, Dr. R., 199, 211, 223. 

230. 
Garton, Rev. J. V., 149. 
Garton, S. B., 169. 
Gates, Rev. Fred T., 95, 160, 

161. 
Geig-er. Elizabeth L., 86. 
Gibson, Lillian E., 301. 
Glfford, Dr. O. P., 161. 
Gilbert, Mamie, 93. 
Gill, Ella C, 99. 
Glllet, Rev. T., 46. 
Gillet, Rev. E. H., 161, 228. 
Gist, Ruth 287. 
Glass, Hon. J. D., 283. 
Glenn, H. S., 230, 231. 
Goddart, C. W., 169. 
Goff, P., 58, 107. 
Goldberg, Prof. E. M., 96. 
Goldthwait, Prof. N. E., 150. 

151, 153, 159, 169. 270, 281, 

283 
Goodell. M'^ S.. 169. 203. 229. 
Good'^11, Prof. F. E., 162, 163, 
Goodhue, Dr. O. A., 186. 



Goodin, Inez L., 92. 
Goodman, Dr. S. P., 257. 
Goodrich, Hattie L. (Goodell), 

158. 
Goodrich. Mrs. Florence. 90. 
Gorham, Rev. G. W., 38. 
Gove, E., 84. 
Graves, Chas. L., 262. 
Graves, Alice (Sawyer), 256. 
Graves, Edw. A., 161. 295, 297 
Greenleaf, Rev. C, 26. 
Gregg, Jas. B., 76. 
Gregory, Judge, D. D., 180. 
Griffith, Rev. T. S., 52, 53. 61, 

62, 64, 138. 
Griffith, Dr. H. G., 90. 
Griffith, Dr. J. H.. 187. 
Griffith. Rev. D. W., 232. 
Griffith, Elmer C, 287. 
Grimes, Gov. J. W., 16, 77. 
Grimes. Mrs. Rebecca J., 283. 
Grimes, L. A., 279. 
Griswold, O. Estella, 253, 256. 
Groesbeck, A. P., 158. 
Guern.sey, Guv, 277. 
Guild, Rev. J. E., 141. 
Gunn, Pres. Ellhu, 39. 52, 54. 

59, 60, 68, 113, 114, 116, 179. 
Gunn, Harriet E.. 98. 
Gunn, Mrs. Amy B., 114. 
Gunnison, Prin. G. W., 72, 75. 
Gunnison, Mrs. S. L., 74. 
Guthridge, Walter, 323. 
Guthrldge, D. J., 58, 107. 



Hall, Frederick, 157, 267. 
Hall, J. H., 284. 
Halllngby, O., 279. 
Hamblin, T. P., 153, 265, 267. 
Hamblin, Sarah, 153. 
Hambrecht, C. F., 271. 
Hamilton, Miss Belle R., 284. 
Hampson. J. A. P., 117. 
Hampton, Rev. G. S., 49, 5», 57, 

106, 107. 
Hanley. Dr. R. R., 182, 183. 

186. 
Hannum, Jennie A., 323. 
Harbert, S., 179. 
Harding. Rev. O. S., 38. 
Harding. Allle P., 323. 
Hardwick, J. O.. 323. 
Harmon. A. N., 287. 
Harper, Pres. W. R., 161, 285. 
Harper, W. T., 283. 
Harris, Amy B., 123. 
Harris, Flora E., 162, 169. 
Harris, H. P., 301. 
Hart, J. H., 129. 
Harvey, Grace E. (Pro ward), 

92 93. 
Harwood, O. P., 258. 
Haskell. Geo. E., 271. 
Ha.-tkPll. Addle, 256. 
Hastings, S. W., 283. 



334 



Index. 



Hawkins, E. Jane, 289. 
Hawley, Mrs. Jane P., 77, 82. 
Hawley, Horace H., 42, 75, 82. 
Hawley, C. W., 283. 
Hayden, Mae, 93. 
Hayhurst, Rev. L. W.. 62. 84, 

86. 145, 181, 182, 186. 
Hayhurst. Prin. I. W., 144, 145. 
Heath, Rev. H. A., 161, 250, 

Heath. Chas. H., 274. 
Hedge. Hon. Thos., 76. 
Hemphill. B. C. 287. 
Henderson, Prin. Jas., 84, 86. 
Hendricks, W. H., 169. 
Henry. Bertram C, 98. 
Henson, Dr. P. S.. 229. 
Hersey, L. W., 283. 
Hersey, Mrs. L. W., 170. 
Hetler. Jas. P., 272. 
Hewins. Ellen A.. 124. 
Hewitt. Dr. C. B.. 31». 
Hick. H. R.. 299. 
Hicock, Mrs, C. A., 74. 
Hig-gins. Rev. C. E., 90. 204. 
Hill, Larissa M.. 74. 
Hill, S. W., 263, 305. 
Hinchman. J. V.. 159, 160. 1«9. 
213. 231, 304. 

Hinchman, Mrs. J. V.. 284. 
Hines. Dr. W. A., 170. 
Hiscox, Dr. E. T., 161. 
Historical Sketches, 25, 34. 36. 

37. 38, 40, 48. 
Hitchcock, Mrs. C, 256. 
Hitchcock, Helen, 287. 
Hobbs, Wesley C.,80. 
Hobbs, Laura N., 323. 
Hobbs, Albert, 117. 
Holland, Dr. A., 169. 
Holmes, Rev. O. A.. 62, 140, 

179, 183. 
Holmes, Gertrude. 289. 
Holt. Rev. G. F.. 284. 
Homan, Rev. N. B., 179, 181. 
Homesteaders, 20. 
Hope, Rev. J. M., 38. 
Hornish, J. K., 61, 113. 
Houghton, E. B., 50. 
Hovey, E. A., 283. 
Howard, Dr. W. G., 75. 
Howell, Hon. J. E., 118. 
Howell, Prof. S. S.. 114, 115, 

117. 
Huey, Olive C 99. 
Huff. M., 99. 

Hughes. Brenton. 60. 113. 
Hughes, Wm., 169. 283. 300. 
Hulbert. Dr. E. B.. 213. 
Hungate, John H., 76. 
Hunn, E. S.. 152. 
Hunn, C. E., 162, 156, 158. 
Hunt, Miss E. C, 120. 
Hunt, Dr. Win. F., 272. 
Hunter, Rev. W. L., 179. 
Kurd, Dr. J. C, 88. 



Hurd, Dr. C. H, 271. 
Hutchinson, G. W., 233. 



iBi'orporation, Article* of, 

Burlington Coll. Institute, 
69, 70. 

Central College, 108. 

Des Moines College, 142. 

Cedar Valley Seminary, 258. 
Ilsley, Rev. L., 38. 
Ind, Rev. Thos. M., 75, 77. 
Indians, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16. 
Iowa BaptlHt Education .Soc, 

209-226. 
Iowa City, 21, 22, 105. 
Irish. Capt. F. M., 21. 



Jainea, J. R., 269, 271, 280, 283, 

James. F. E. 271, 284, 305. 

James, Louis 271. 

James Benj. P., 92. 

Jayne, Judge Henry, 233, 239. 

Jeffrey, J., 58, 107. 

Jewell, Erma, 99. 

Jewett, Rev. D., 27, 28, 107, 

187. 
Jewett, Milo P.. 189. 197. 
Johnson, Rev. H., 24, 25, 48. 
Johnson, Dr. Geo. J., 37. 39, 51, 

53, 54, 61, 64, 66, 69, 71, 77, 

89, 94, 102, 103. 
Johnson, E .E., 276. 
Johnson, Rev. S. B., 38, 51, 52, 

53, 64, 66. 
Johnson, K. J., 278, 305. 
Johnson, Mary P., 117. 
Jones, Rev. H. M., 225, 285. 
Jones, Rev. J. M., 232. 
Jones, Rev. E. M., 232. 
Jones, H. E., 273. 
Jones, M. E., 322. 
Joy, Hon. W. L.. 169, 283. 
Joy, Geo. E., 203. 
Jov, Clvde E., 170. 
Judson." Rev. T. H., 179. 
June, Mrs. C. S., 98. 



Kaater. Thoa. J., 98. 

Katz, Max, 287. 

Keables, Kate, 104, 119, 123, 

124, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 

246, 247. 
Keables, Dr. B. F.. 247. 
Kearwille, Elizabeth, 288, 293, 

299 
Keith, Dr. T. J., 199. 
Kellv, Anna J., 276. 
Kelsev, Ira, 109. 
Kendall, H. N., 74. 
Kendrlck, Dr. A. A., 187. 
Kenn^v, Dr. Tra E.. 151, IBS, 

169. 
Kenney, Mrs, Mary E., 169, 



Index. 



335 



Ketclium, Wm. D., 92. 
Kidney, Nellie (Palmer), 272. 
Kidney, Jennie, 272. 
King, P. T., 271. 
King, R. C, 295, 299. 
Kingsbury, J. B., 283. 
Kingsbury, Mary R., 325. 
Kirtley, Wm., 284. 
Knapp, Rev. Wm. B., 36. 
Knapp, Rev. Jacob, 81. 
Knight, Rev. J. B., 78. 
Knoulton, Warren K., 255. 
Kohlke, H. W., 284. 
Krebs, Bros., 284. 



L.afler, Walter E^dson Scholar- 
ship, 298. 
Lafler, Hosea, 282, 283, 285, 

287, 300. 
Lafler, Joanna. 285. 
Lane, Rev. W. K., 162. 
Landis, Rev. D. R., 230. 
Lapham, Rev. J. A., 265, 276, 

282, 283, 295. 
Lapham, Burnett J., 293. 
Larrabee, Bessie B., 325. 
Laughlin. Willard, 263. 
Leaeock, Nellie J., 99. 
Leavitt, Rev. S. K., 186. 
LeBrock, Chas. P., 92. 
Lee, Alice, 147, 148. 
Lee, Prin. Geo. W., 162, 323- 

326. 
Lee, Dr. P. W., 272. 284. 
Leonard, Judge John, 170. 
Leonard, P. J., 265. 
Leslie, Rev. Robt., 186. 
Leslie, W. W., 232. 
Lewis, E. E., 208, 210, 211, 229, 

230 232. 
Llttefleld, Plorence, 87. 
Uvlnfi^stoii, C. M., Scholarship, 

283 298 
Lockwood", Rev. C. H., 161, 177. 
Lockwood, Rev. J. E., 179. 
Lohr, W. P., 255, 262. 
Lohr, P. W., 267. 
Lohr, Amelia, 265, 288. 299. 
Long, Wm., 170. 
Longley, W. A., 299. 
Loughridge, Prof. A., 120, 329, 

232, 233, 248, 283. 
Lovell, W. D., 232. 
Love Maud, 93. 
Lovejoy, G. B., 283. 
Loveloy, A. B., 272. 
Lovett, Dr. E. H., 229, 230, 231. 
Lovett, Rev. W. P., 162. 
Luce, B., 107. 

Luke, Rev. John W., 97, 98, 99. 
Luke, Mrs. R. C, 98, 99, 100, 

229 232 
Luke! Ethel J., 98, 100. 
Lukens, Rov. J. N., 262. 
Luek, Rev. C. P., 232. 



McCrary, Leta, 92. 

McCrary, Judge A. J., 203, 230, 

231. 233, 239. 
McCully, Luella, 127. 
McCullough, H. R., 91. 
McCullough. Mame, 93. 
McParland, Laura, 90. 
McHenrv, W. A., 284, 322. 
McHenry, Mrs.. 284. 
McKay, Rev. U., 152. 
McKay, E. B., 156. 
McKav, A. N., 158. 
McKean, Geo., 232. 
McKinley, S. J., 256. 
McKinley, Alice Maude, 273. 
McKlveen, Catherine (Smith), 

161, 162. 
McLaurey, J. L., 277. 
McMasters, Rev. D., 232. 
McMichael, Rev. A. D., 78. 
MacNaul, W. C, 169. 
McVey, W. P., 158, 161. 
Mahip, Dr. H. C, 161. 
Mangrum, S. S., 58, 107. 
Manning. Miss M. C, 119, 120. 
Maple, Dr. J. C, 210, 211, 225. 
Mark, John, 313. 
Mark, Kate E., 289. 
Mark, Barbara E. (Joyce), 289. 
Marsh, Rev. Asa, 186. 261, 262. 
Marsh, Rev. P. A., 254. 
Marsh, G. E., 284. 
Mnrshalltown Conference, The, 

227-240. 

Delegates, 231-233. 
Marston, Rev. S. W., 79. 
Martin, Rev. Thos., 78. 
Mason, Rev. D. N., 147. 
Matteson, Rev. W. B., 211, 213. 
Maxon, A. D., 284. 
May, Mrs, M. (Smith), 284. 
Mecum, Rev. E. W., 159. 
Megguier, Emma P. (Narey). 

256. 
Mercer, John M., 97, 100. 
Mercer, J. T., 179. 
Merrill, Marv, (Rood), 254. 
Merrill, Harry, 256. 
Merrltt. E. M., 276. 
Metcalf. E., 57, 106. 
Mever. J. J.. 287. 
Miles, Rev. E. M., 54, 5 6, 57. 

106. 
Miles, Mrs. P. W.. 283. 
IvTillen, B. P., 58, 107, 109. 
Millen, J., 58, 107. 
Miller Perdinand, 262. 
Miller, Jas. M., 149. 
Miller, Ella L., 149. 
Miller, Emma L., 271. 
Miller, Mrs. Ella C, 165, 169. 
Miller, .Tas. N., 317, 322. 
Miller, H. R.. 165, 169. 
Miller, Pred. 170. 
AIIlls. Rev. Wilson, 135. 
Mink, A. 186. 



336 



Inde.T. 



Mitchell, Minnie L., »1. 
Mitchell, Rev. S. H., 5, 33. 84, 

36, 179. 180. 
Mitchell. Ellen E., 114, 117. 
Ivlonroe, Pres. James, 14. 
Monroe, Anna G., 75. 
Moore, Dr. A. H., 258. 
Moore, Cora (Ross), 254. 
Moore, Rev. C. H. H., 162. 
Moore, W. H., 284. 
Moore, Prof. Geo. A., 287, 297, 

299. 
Moore. Rev. J., 37. 
Morehouse, Dr. H. L., 217, 225. 
Morey, Rev. W. B., 46, 48, 67. 
Morg-an, Rev. F. E., 127, 162, 

163. 
Morphey Rev. G. E., 233. 
Morse, Peter, 259. 
Morse, Harleigh, 263. 
Morse. Chas. H., 277, 284. 
Mo.scrlp, Rev. C. H., 199. 
Mott, Judg-e P., 151, 152, 183, 

184. 
Muffley, Max M., 289. 
Munsen, J. A.. 127. 
Murray, Mrs. Carrie, 261, 262. 



Nush, Dr. J. A., 52, 53, 55, 62, 

64, 66, 68, 71, 77, 139, 141, 
144. 149-152, 154, 180. 182, 
183 

Nash," Jennie (Rose), 150, 153. 

Nash, Rev. H. C. 223, 232, 318, 
321. 

Nash! Mrs. Marv C, 322, 325. 

Neally, M. H., 90. 

Nesbit. Anna M., 87. 

Newell, V. F., 160. 

Newman, Judge, T. W., 159, 71, 
77, 96, 97. 

Newman, Hattle E., 87. 

Newman, Josephine M., 80. 

Newman, H. H.. 163. 

New York Baptist State Con- 
vention, 175. 

Neyenesch. H., 115. 

Nichols, F. D., 277. 

Nichols, H. M., 287. 

Nixon, Ella (Hastings), 254. 

NoUen, John S., 123. 

Norris. Annie, 77. 

Norton, Rev. H. E., 93. 

Norton, Ada F., 163-165. 

Norwood, Miss A. S. A., 87. 88. 

Nossaman, W., 109. 



O'Dea, Rd^ard, 158. 
Odeklrk, Stella P., 287. 
Olney, Warren, 117. 
Ormsby, Rev. O., 52. 
Osage Baptist Sunday .=;oliool 

283 
Osborn, B. F., 150. 



Osborn. Pres. L. D., 167-169 
Osborne, J. G., 299. 
Osgood, Dr. S. M., 84. 
Ostegren, Rev. K. A., 120 
Otis, Rev. J. C, 179. 
Otto Geo. C, 272. 
Owatonna Academy, (Pills- 
bury,) 83. 
Owen, Will, 263. 

Page, A. C, 273. 
Page, Mrs. J. N.. 151. 
Paine, C. W., 170. 
Painted Rock, 15. 
Palmer. Clarence, 274. 
Palmer, D. M., 274. 
Parker. May Z., 285. 
Parker, Rev. H. I., 252. 
Park hurst, W. J., 68. 
Parmenter, Maria M., 75. 
Parsons, Alvin, 42. 
Parsons, Dr. P. W., 280-282, 

250. 
Parsons, Emma T., 299. 
Pattenglll, Geo. D., 267. 
Pattenglll, Edith G., 301. 
Pattlson, Rev. W. R., 179. 
Patton, D. J., 284. 
Peck, Rev. G. C, 180. 
Pederson, James, 287. 
Pelton, S. R., 274. 
Pelton, Rev. F. E. 271. 
Penney, Rev. T. J., 52. 
Pentuff, Dean J. R., 100-102. 
Perkens, G. D., 152. 
Perry, T. J. R., 80. 
Peters, John P., 114. 
Peters, Peter, 114. 
Peterson. H. P., 
Pettlt, Mrs. L. C..283. 
Pilcher, J. M., 153. 
Pickard, Rev. S., 33. 
Plerson, Geo.. 317. 
Ping, John R., 99. 
Ploueer lo^va, 9. 
Pioneer Baitti«t«, 24. 
Pitts, Dr. W. S., 272. 
Piatt, Asa, 317. 
Plimpton, E. S., 170, 230, 231, 

322 
Plimpton, Dr. W. M., 158, 162. 

170. 
Plimpton. Lillian M., 158. 
Poems of the Prairies, 75. 
Polndexter, D. P.. 265, 270. 
Pollard, J. J., 204. 
Pope, Rev. C. J., 232, 233. 241, 

278, 281. 283. 
Pope, Dea. J., 299. 
Post, Rev. M. .1., 27. 28, 48. 
Potter, Prin. Geo. M., 300. 
Powell. J. J.. 213, 232. 239. 283. 
Powell. Rev. T. W. 179. 
Powell. Mary A.. 99. 
Pratt, Rev. W. W., 264. 



hide-r. 



337 



Pratt, C. C, 87. 

Pratt, Susie J., (Gardner), 

123, 273. 

Pratt, Park C, 274. 

Pray, Mary E., (Steward), 

279, 2S5. 

Prescott, Rev. Asa. 183. 

Price Dr. Ira M., 153. 

Price, Prof. A. B.. 123, 155, 

156, 1G3. 
Prime John R., 254. 
Pi-obst, Cora. 100. 
Proper, Dr. D. D., 198. 
Prouty, Jud^e S. P., 119, 121, 

124, 203. 

Purinton, Prof. G. D., 153. 



Haffety, Win.. 232. 
Rainey, F. L., 100. 
Ralrden, Dr. N. B., 159, 284, 

31S. 
Randell, Rev. W. E., 280, 281. 

284 
Randiett. G. W., 277. 
Rankin, Wm. A., 117. 
Rauch, Dr. J. H., 73. 
Raymond, Rev. Lewis, 81. 
Read, Pres. D., 124, 125, 187, 

202. 203. 208. 
Reag-an, Rev. D., 162, 265, 273. 
Red Rocks, 18. 
Reeves, C. P., 265. 
Rehmann, Prof. John, 266. 
Reinking, Rev. F. G., 156, 170, 

232. 
Remey, Almiral Geo. C, 74. 
Remey, Wm. B., 74. 
Remey, Joim T., 80. 
Remington, Rev. C. H., 61, 

186. 
Remley .Judge Milton, 181, 

231. 281. 
Remlev, Judge H. M., 232, 239. 
Remley, Clara, 273. 
Ressler, A., 284. 
Revnolds, Gov. John, 16. 
Reynolds, Martha B., 301. 
Revnolds, M. 58, 107. 
Rice, Stella J. 267, 276. 
Richards. Lois, 88. 
Richardson, Dr. J. K., 165. 
Ritner, H. A., 40, 50, 54, 57, 

106, 107. 
Robb, Rev. H. 30, 31. 
Robert, Dr. J. T.. 77, 81, 85. 
Robert, Jas. A., 81. 
Robert, Martha A., 81, 85. 
Robinson, Rev. A., 199. 
Robinson, Rev. P., 34. 
Rocho, Rev. V. C, 232. 
Rogers, Carrie, 80 
Rogers, Martha, 89. 
Rogers, Rev. H. A., 158. 
Roller, W. F., 162. 
Roney, Thomas C, 89. 



Roraback, U. 2S4. 
Ro.se. Rev. Charles J., 150, 15; 
Rcss, Rev. AValter, 258. 
Ross, Mrs. M. E., 323. 
Ross, Rev. L. W., 279. 
Roval, Mrs. .J. P.. 98-100. 
nov.'lands, Dr. H. O., 324. 
Ruckman, J. L., 117. 
Rudd. M. W., 41. - 
Rudd. Martha E., 91, 121. 
Rundborg, Franz. 271, 284. 
Rundborg.Otto, 2S1. 
Rupert Benj., 42, 184. 
Rutlodge, Rev. Wm., 37. 
Ruttkay, Louis, 149. 
Ryan, Hon. David, 115. 11'.'. 



Sa,- CrAy institute. 226, 317. 
Hacs and Foxe.s, 14. 
Ha.rr.son, Sumner, 27o. 
Sarber, Rev. O. B., 231. 
Sarpv. Col. P. A., 19. 
Savage, Rev. E. P., 186, 203, 

20 6. 
Sawins, Mrs. C. A., 153. 
Sawyer, E. L., 283, 305. 
Sawyer, Geo. H.. 28 4, 288. 
Scarff, Dr. E. H., 109, 111, 

115, 117, 119. 121, 177, 179, 

ISO, 183. 
Scammon, Frank, 263. 
Scammon, Margaret A., 287. 
Schaller. Col. Phil., 317. 
Sclu-rmerhorn, Rev. H. R., 

121. 
Schilling, Isolde, 87. 
Schofield. Rev. J. V.. 183, ISG. 
Schofield. H. Maze. 92. 
Schole.s, Mary A., 91. 
Scholte, Rev. H. P., 107, 109, 

130. 
Scott, Rev. Geo., 54, 179. 
Scott, Gen. W. 16. 
Sears, Barnas, 156. 
Seeley. Rev. J. N.. 50, 18 6. 
Segner. Frank, 93. 
Severan, H. H., 99. 
Severan. Mrs. H. H., 99. 
Shaffer, Mrs. H. H., 283. 
Shaffer. A. H.. 274. 
Shanafelt, Rev. J. R.. 179, 184. 
Sheehan. J. B., 265, 283. 
Sheehan, T. D., 271. 
Sheldon, Hattie I., 91. 
Sho'don. Alice (Jennison) 288. 
.Shoemaker, D. M., 162. 
Shull, D. C, 232. 
Sides, A. W., 287. 
Simons, Prof. H. A., 274. 279. 
Simons, Arthur A., 274. 
Simons. Eugene S., 274. 
Simons, Wilbur H., 274. 
.Sioux Indi.'ins, 14. 19. 
Skinner. Mary (Lovejoy), 254. 
Skinner, Rosa (Harmon). 256. 



338 



Index. 



Small, Dr. A. W., 227. 
Smedley, Dr. Irene, 273, 322. 
Smeink, J., 109. 
Smith Dr. Dexter P., 31, 32, 
34, 51, 55, 64, 67, 138, 181, 
185, 186. 
Smith Dr. J. A., 187, 189, 197. 
Smith, Rev. C. C, 211, 213. 
Smith, Loui.se M.. 99. 
Smith, Emma 157. 
Smith, Harriet, 253, 256. 
Smith, Wm. H., 119. 
Smith, Prof. J. M. P., 158, 285, 

287. 
Smith, E. B., 284. 
Smith, .Hon. J. A., 283, 305. 
Smith, Ray D., 277. 
Smith, Mrs. E. B., 169. 
Smith, J. P. P., 129. 
Smith, Mrs. Martha B., 169. 
Sinithers, Stella M., 91. 
Sneath, Rev. Geo., 278. 
Snow, Prof. T. N., 149. 
.Sonic IVotable Movements for 

Cordination, 175. 
Sonner, Rev. O. P., 161. 
Spencer AVhitman Chnir in 

Greek, 279. 
Sperry, Rev. O., 54, 57. •;'.•, 106. 
Sperry, Charlene E!., 169. 
Sperry, Wm., 27, 28, 29, 68. 
Sperry, Emery F., 114. 
Spinney, Dr. E. C, 90, 109, 124, 

187 206 283. 
Spinnev, Mrs. Josephive -2. 92. 
St. Clair, A. D., 170, 232. 
St. Clair, Winnie (Oraves- 
Perg-uson), 158, 325. 
Stacy, Maud (Smith), 289. 
Stallcop. C. E., 325. 
Standard, The, 61 178, 189, 

231. 
Starr Wm. J., 277, 284. 
Starr, H. J., 284. 
Stearns, Prof. E. F., 89. 90. 
Stephenson Prof. J. P., 157, 

167, 169. 
Stephenson, Mr.s. Florence T., 

157, 169. 

Stetson. Dr. H. L., 157 159, 

163, 164, 167, 169, 211. 224. 

229, 232, 245, 248, 249, 282, 

318. 321. 

Stetson, Bertha (Arnett), 158. 

Stevens, Myrtie A. (Bennett), 

271. 
Stewart. Prof. J. W., 147, 148. 
Stifler, Dr. W. H., 199, 202. 
Stilwell, Mrs. C 284. 
Stock, Caleb. 284. 
Stoddard, Harry D., 92. 
Stoddard. Dr. Ira J., 116, 118. 
Stoddard, Mrs. D. C. A., 114, 

116-118, 120. 
Stone, R. M., 145. 
Stone, Rev. Luther, 50, 141, 
146, 160, 161, 186. 



Stoner, Milton, 58. 107. 
Storey, Rev. W. E., 161. 
Stouffer, S. M.. 318. 
Stoug-hton, G. M., 284. 
Stoughton, H. L., 277, 305. 
Strahan, J. M., 170. 
Strike, Ida M., 299. 
Strows, Samuel 274, 283. 
Stuart, Pres. John, 126, 127, 

224. 
Stuart, Sarah M., 127. 
Stuart, AVm. A., 117. 
Stull, Nelson, 92. 
Stutts, D., 326. 
Stutsman. Judge A. H., 232. 
Stutsman. Carl A., 93. 
Stutsman, Dr. S. H., 92. 
Stutsman, Wm. H.. 93-. 
Sunderland, Rev. James, 179. 
Sunderland, Rev. J. T., 80. 
Sutherland. Nellie, 325. 
Sutton, A. K., 203. 
Swan, B., 57, 106. 
Swanson. J., 158. 
Sweet, Lizzie (Sime), 274. 
Sweney, Charles, 253, 283. 
Sweney, Hon. J. H., 275, 296, 

305. 
Sweney. J. L, 271, 283, 296,305. 
Sweney. Marj' (Scammon), 

253, 256, 262. 
Swenev, Kate (EnO), 254. 
Swenev, BelleA. (Eden), 272. 
Sweney, Gail (Edson), 285. 
Sweney, Dr. C. F., 265. 

Talbot, Pres. Samson, 187. 
Talbot, Cynthia, 99. 
Talbot, Rose, 99, 100. 
Talbot, Carrie, 99. 
Tate, J. F., 170, 230, 232. 
Tate, Rev. H. W., 232. 
Taylor, Emma, 75, 91. 
Taylor, Rev. A. H.. 37. 
Taylor, Mary E., 88. 
Temple, L. F., 50, 57. 
Teter, L. D., 158. 
Thickstun, Rev. T. F., 201, 

179 259. 
Thickstun, Mrs. S. L., 123. 
Thickstun, Carrie L., 123. 
Thomas, Dr. J. B. 187, 208, 

210, 211, 213, 223. 
Thompson, Rev. A., 38. 
Thompson, Rev. W. P., 284. 
Thorns, Rev. C. S., 228. 
Tilden, Dr. H. W., 225, 229, 

284, 322. 
Tobin, Prof. T., 284. 
Todd, Rev. J. W., 26, 48. 
Todd, Prin. T. W., 299, 300. 
Tolman, Julia R., 109, 110. 
Toman, S. S., 256. 
Town, Judge Ira E., 257. 
Towne, Rev. E. O., 54, 56-59, 

106, 107, 111, 120. 



Index. 



339 



Towne, N. C, 114. 

Townsend Rev. D. C, 126, 128, 

141. 
Tracy, Samuel F., 93. 
Treloar, Rev. J. E., 159. 
Tripp, Prof. R. H., 123, 124, 

202, 203. 
Tripp. Mrs. M. R., 124. 
Troxel, Thomas G., 74, 7.5. 
Trulock, T. J., SO. 
Trustees of Cedar Valley 

Seminary, 260, 304. 
Tucker, Rev. C. T., 156, 179, 

259, 260. 
Tupper, Hon. A. C, 254. 
Tupper, Libbie (Brown), 256. 
Tupper, Will, 263. 
Tupper, Grace E., 289. 
Turner, Fannie, 256. 
Turton, Rev. W. H. 52, 58, 59, 

107. 
Tuttle, Luclan, 263. 
Tuttle, H. E., 276. 
Tuttle, A. B., 284. 



Umbersrer, T. D. T., 99. 

Universitv of Chicago, 161, 

168, 267. 
Ure, Rev. Thomas, 261, 262. 
Ure, Mrs. Emma J., 262. 
Ure, S. R., 274. 

Vanljeuven. H. C, 255. 
VanMeter, E. A., 73, 85, 180. 
Vaughan, J. R., 169. 
Voseler, J. H., 284. 



Waddell, Rob't.. 284. 
Waite, Mrs. C. R. 281, 283, 289. 
Waldriss, J., 57, 107. 
Walker, Dr. W. M., 165, 324. 
Walker, Rev. R. S., 156. 
Walker, A. M., 284, 305. 
Walker, R. Hart, 277. 
Walker, Ettie F., 325. 
Wall, Charlotte E., 289. 
Walter, Marion, 158. 
Walton, Rev. U. R., 76. 
Ward, Rev. J. C, 57, 105. 
Ward, Rev. D. P., 261. 

Ward, Dayton, 261. 

Wardall, A., 255. 

Ware, E. F., 80. 

Wasloja, Academy, 83. 

Waterman, Rev. L. M., 230, 
232. 

Watson, Julia H., 129. 

Watson, A. T., 162. 

Wayland Academy, 91. 

Wayland, Judge Francis, 186. 

Weatherly, A. L., 276. 

Weaver, Rev. A., 204, 208. 

Wedgewood, Hattie (Clyde), 
257. 



284. 



169, 
293, 

147, 



Weinrich, Agnes, 99. 
Wells, Rev. Wm. A., 52. 
Welscher, Rev. W. A., 199. 
■Western Advisory Committee 
. .Report of 189-197. 
Weston, Pres. H. G., 176, 185. 
Westover, Rev. J. T., 140, 180. 
Wheeler, J. S., 170, 283, 305. 
Wheeler. Frances R., 157, 158, 

322, 323, 325. 
Whirry, John E., 277, 278, 284, 

290, 292, 295. 
Whirrv, Rev. J. L., 277. 
White, Capt. Geo. P., 271. 
White, Capt. H. A., 272. 
White, Prof. L. B., 169. 
White, Wilfred, 325. 
Whitemore, Rev. I., 34. 
Whitley, Dr. J. L., 256, 
Whitley, Dr. F. E., 265. 
Whitley, Dr. R. L., 278. 
Whitley, Clara R., 289. 
Whitman, Dr. P. S., 147, 
186, 278, 279, 283, 292, 
179, 294, 214, 301. 
Whitman, Mrs. Carrie, 

302, 303. 
Whitmore, V. Y., 232, 283. 
Whitmore Dr. F. B., 279. 
Whitmore, Ethel R., 289. 
Whitney, Annette H.,285. 
Whitney, Wilson, 255. 
Whittaker, D. B., 255. 
Wiggins, Dr. C. C, 271. 
Wilbur, Rev. H. R., 60. 
Wilcox. Rev. S. E., 229, 230. 
Wiley, F. B., 169. 
Wilkin, Willis, 271, 274 
Wilkins, Dr. F. L., 210, 

213, 223. 
Williams, Rev. John, t>l, 

65, 67, 70. 
Williams, Mrs. L. W^.. 8'. ^^^ 
Williams, Matilda, 80. 
Williams, Rev. A. C., 74. 
Wilson, Rev. J. O., 177. 
Winnebagos, 16, 19. 
Witherwax, J. M., 42, 54. 
Witter, Dr. W. B., 321. 
Wolff, Fred B., 289. 
Wood, Grace A., 92. 
Woodkrd, O. P.. 283 305 
Woodard, Harriet V., ^"1- „^. 
Woodard, Olive B., (Ogg), 
287 
Woodard, Alice J. 

289 

Woods, Mrs. J. A., 86. 
Woods, Wm., 284. 
Woodworth, W. C., 180. 
Woodworth, Estella, 90. 
Worcester. Rev « H., 61, 181. 
Worden, Rev. H., 35. 5^. 
Worthington,_ Mrs. H. E., lb». 
Wortman Prm. L B 87, 88. 
Wright, A. S., 273, 284. 



211, 
53, 



(Jenkins), 



340 



1 tide J*. 



Wright, J. G., 289. 
Wvdell, A. O., 287. 



Vnrus, C. A., 284. 

Young-, Prof. W. A., 129, 136. 
Vouni; People's ITnion, 



Osage, 284. 
Superior. 284. 
Waterloo, 284. 



Zelglor, Hon. S*. B., 2S4. 

Zimmerman. A. B., 91. 



lA^' 23 1908 



